Always abnormally sensitive, the big collie noted this aloofness.
And he came to an irresolute halt. For a moment, he stared after
the two vanishing runaways; his plumed tail swaying ever so
little, in groundless expectation of an invitingly glance or yelp
from Lady. Then, tail and crest adroop, he turned slowly back
toward the house.

From puppyhood, an odd trait of Lad's had caused amusement at the
Place. Whenever he was unhappy or considered himself ill-treated,
it was his way to hunt for something wherewith he might comfort
himself. For instance, as a pup, a scolding for some petty
misdeed would send him in search of his cherished flannel doll or
his squeaking ball. In later years, the car had taken the place
of these babyhood comforters.

Lad cared more for motoring than for any other amusement. In
moments of stress he sometimes ran to the garage and curled
himself up in the tonneau; as though in hope someone might take
pity on his unhappiness and give him a drive. And, usually,
somebody did.

Now, turning back, rebuffed, from the forest gallop, he caught
sight of the car. Not in the garage, either; but at the front
door; where its presence could mean nothing except an immediate
ride.

With one high spring, Lad had cleared the ground and was over the
closed tonneau door and amid a ruck of luggage and rugs. The rear
seat was filled by a steamer-trunk, strapped tightly in place