collie stepped majestically toward him. Then, deftly, he threw
the indignant and struggling dog to the floor, and bade the boy
come in; and shut the gate behind him.

With the passing of another hour, the rain ceased; and a glory of
afternoon sunlight bathed the freshened world. At about the same
time, the belated collie judge arrived at the clubhouse. Word was
sent forth that all dogs were to he returned to their benches and
that the judging of the collies and of certain other breeds would
begin at once.

There was a general hustle and confusion, as exhibitors led forth
their dogs from shelter; benching them and plying brush and chalk
and towel in frantic haste.

Higham summoned Rice and another of the kennel men and bade them
bring forth the Lochaber dogs. Instead of helping them with his
task, Higham himself ran to the top of the clubhouse steps, from
which he could survey not only the benches but also the stables
and the lawn between. There, quivering with hard-held excitement,
he stood; with the air of one who has chosen a grandstand seat
for some thrilling event. He wore a pair of thick gloves. As he
had discarded the linen duster which he had worn during the
dyeing process, there was no betraying splash of color on his
severely correct garb.

People were trooping out from the shelter of the clubhouse. With
half an eye, Higham observed these; chuckling at thought of the
everincreasing number of spectators to his rare comedy. Of a
sudden, the chuckle changed to a gasp.