In the novel domains they now traversed the small dog's excitable nature led him to investigate everything that seemed suspicious, but he was so cowardly, in spite of this, that once when Patsy let him down to chase a gopher or prairie dog--they were not sure which--the animal turned at bay and sent Mumbles retreating with his stubby tail between his legs.

His comradeship for Wampus surprised them all.

The Canadian would talk seriously to the dog and tell it long stories as if the creature could understand every word--which perhaps he did.

Mumbles would sit up between the driver and Patsy and listen attentively, which encouraged Wampus to talk until Patsy in self-defense turned and tossed the fuzzy animal in to Myrtle, who was always glad to receive him.
But Patsy did not always sit on the front seat.

That honor was divided among them all, by turns, except the Major, who did not care for the place.