Page:The Cross Pull.pdf/23

 tone of hidden hate or fear in the voice which does not reveal it to the duller ear of man. He checks this with his nose so there is no chance for a mistake. Man’s system reacts to any emotional strain and his pores betray his state of mind to the keenly sensitive noses of the animal world.

Moran knew that it was certain knowledge that caused Flash to sidle farther from Brent and closer to himself. With his nose flattened between his paws, Flash favored Brent with an unblinking stare from his yellow eyes—eyes as fierce and untamed as those of a hawk. Except in color there was little difference between his eyes and Brent’s, and a wave of dislike was exchanged between them with the stare.

Not until Moran went outside to feed the horses in the corral did Flash shift from his position on the floor or remove his eyes from Brent. As Moran left him he moved away from Brent to the full limit of his chain.

Irritated by this move, Brent caught the chain near where it was fastened to the leg of the table and drew Flash toward him. The pup braced his feet but was dragged forward, his toenails scratching for a hold. When within a few feet of Brent his tactics changed and he leaped for the hand, his