Steady now! This is far more important than the other.

Just to be wiped out, Bel, pouf! That isn't anything and it concerns no one save ourselves.

But to bring misery into our lives and live with it daily, that would be a condition to rend the soul.

So careful, Bel! Cautious now!" The voice of the man dropped to a whisper as he asked the question.
"What about the girl business ?" Trembling with eagerness to do the thing that would bring more caressing, bewildered by unfamiliar words and tones, the dog hesitated.
"Do I go on as I have ever since mother left me, rustling for grub, living in untrammelled freedom?
Do I go on as before, Bel ?" The Harvester paused and waited the answer, with anxiety in his eyes as he searched the beast face.

He had talked to that dog, as most men commune with their souls, for so long and played the game in such intense earnest that he felt the results final with him.