It is doubtful whether in the few moments that followed, any clear-cut mental argument passed through Neewa's head.

It is too much to suppose that he deliberately set about assisting the half-dead and almost unconscious Miki from his precarious position.

His sole ambition was to get himself where it was safe and dry, and to do this he of necessity had to drag the pup with him.

So Neewa tugged at the end of his rope, digging his sharp little claws into the driftwood, and as he advanced Miki was dragged up head foremost out of the cold and friendless stream.

It was a simple process.