Leighton, in view of the importance of this crowning event, did
not single out any one dog, as before, to stand to one side; nor
did he gate any. He gave owners and spectators their full due, by
a thorough inspection of all five contestants. But as a result of
his examination, he ended the suspense by handing Link Ferris a
purple rosette, whereon was blazoned in gilt the legend,
"Winners."

A salvo of handclaps greeted the eminently just decision. And
Chum left the ring, to find a score of gratulatory hands
stretched forth to pat him. Quite a little crowd escorted him
back to his bench.

A dozen people picked acquaintance with Link. They asked him all
sorts of questions as to his dog. Link made monosyllabic and
noncommittal replies to all of these--even when the great Col.
Cyrus Marden himself deigned to come over to the collie section
and stare at Chum, accompanying his scrutiny with a volley or
patronizing inquiries.

From the bystanders Link learned something of real
interest--namely, that one of the "specials" was a big silver
cup, to be awarded to "best collie of either sex"; and that after
the females should have been, judged, the winning female and Chum
must appear in the ring together to compete for this trophy.

Sure enough, in less than thirty minutes Chum was summoned to the
ring. There, awaiting him, was a dainty and temperamental merle,
of the Tazewell strain. Exquisite and high-bred as was this
female competitor, Judge Leighton wasted little time on the