hard-and-fast rule. It seemed the only way to save our whole
summer colony from disruption. You know a livestock squabble can
cause more ructions in a small community than--"

"I see," mused the Master, staring glumly after Lad who was just
vanishing into the house in the wake of the Mistress and the
unhappy Mrs. Harmon. "I see. H'm!"

He pondered for an instant, while his host shifted from foot to
foot and looked apologetic. Then the Master spoke again.

"The only way out, that I see," he hazarded, "is for me to drive
back home with Lad; and leave him there and come on here,
tomorrow. I can--"

"Nothing of the sort!" protested Harmon, "There's an easier way
than that. Wittsville is only a mile or so from the Park gates.
They've got a fine boarding kennel there. Several of the Park's
dogs were exiled to it, when our ordinance went into effect. Jump
into the car, and we'll take your collie there in ten minutes.
He'll be well treated. And you and your wife can go to see him,
every day you're here. Come along. I--I hate to seem inhospitable
about this thing. But you see for yourself how it is. We--"

"Certainly," assented the Master. "I'll go in and get him and
explain to my wife. Don't let it make you feel uncomfortable. We
both understand."

Which accounts for the fact that Lad, within the next half hour,
was preparing to spend his first night away from home and from