To punish her serf and to crush rebellion once and for all, as
well as to be avenged for her wasted diplomacy, Dorcas cast aside
her kindlier intent and drove straight to the point. Her calm
temper was ruffled, and she spoke with a new heat:

"There is something you and I may as well settle, here and now,
Link," she said. "It will save bickerings and misunderstandings,
later on. I've told you how I hate dogs. They are savage and
treacherous and--"

"Chum ain't!" declared Link stoutly.

"Why, that dog--"

"I hate dogs," she went on, "and I'm horribly afraid of them. I
won't live in the same house with one. I don't want to hurt your
feelings, Link, but you'll have to get rid of that great brown
brute before you marry me. That is positive. So please let's say
no more about it."

The man was staring at her with under jaw ajar. Her sharp air of
finality grated on his every nerve. Her ultimatum concerning Chum
left him dumfounded. But he forced himself to rally to the
defense.

This glorious sweetheart of his did not understand dogs. He had
hoped to teach her later to like and appreciate them. But
apparently she must be taught at once that Chum could not be sold
and that the collie must remain an honored member of the Ferris
household. Marshaling his facts and his words, he said :