And Lad loathed dog-shows, as he loathed tramps and castor oil
and motorcycles.

After a single experience, he had never been taken to one of
those canine ordeals known as "three-or-more-day shows." But the
Mistress and the Master rejoiced at his triumphs at such local
one-day shows as were within pleasant driving distance of the
Place. These exhibitions entailed no great strain or danger.
Lad's chief objection to them was that he hated to be chirped to
and pawed and stared upon by an army of strangers.

Such a one-day event was the outdoor Charity Dogshow at the
Beauville Country Club, forty miles to northeast of the Place; an
easy two-hour drive. It was to be a "specialty show"; at which
the richness and variety of prizes were expected to atone for the
lack of A. K. C. points involved.

A premium-list of the show had been mailed to the Place; and one
of its "specials" had caught the Mistress's quick eye and quicker
imagination. The special was offered by Angus McGilead, an exiled
Scot whose life fad was the Collie; and whose chief grievance was
that most American breeders did not seem able to produce collies
with the unbelievable wealth of outer-and-undercoat displayed by
the oversea dogs. This particular special was offered in the
following terms:

Embossed Sterling Silver Cup, 9 Inches High (Genuine Antique) For
The Best-Coated Collie Shown.

Now, Lad's coat was the pride of the Mistress's heart. By daily