Now what, between master and dog, David had endured almost
more than he could bear that day.

"Yo' won't, won't yo', girt brute!" he shouted, and bending,
snatched a corner of the coat and attempted to jerk it away. At that,
Red Wull rose, shivering, to his feet, and with a low gurgle sprang
at the boy.

David, quick as a flash, dodged, bent, and picked up an ugly stake,
lying at his feet. Swinging round, all in a moment, he dealt his
antagonist a mighty buffet on the side of the head. Dazed with the
blow, the great dog fell; then, recovering himself, with a terrible,
deep roar he sprang again. Then it must have gone hard with the
boy, fine-grown, muscular young giant though he was. For Red
Wull was now in the first bloom of that great strength which
earned him afterward an undying notoriety in the land.

As it chanced, however, M'Adam had watched the scene from the
kitchen. And now he came hurrying out of the house, shrieking
commands and curses at the combatants. As Red Wull sprang, he
interposed between the two, head back and eyes flashing. His
small person received the full shock of the charge. He staggered,
but recovered, and in an imperative voice ordered the dog to heel.

Then he turned on David, seized the stake from his hand, and
began furiously belaboring the boy.

"I'll teach ye to strike--a puir--dumb--harrnless--creetur, ye--cruel--
cruel---lad!" he cried. "Hoo daur ye strike--ma----Wullie? yer--