And of a courage unique in one so young! He was nearing the sandals now, but the sun was in his eyes, and he saw only the towel spread like a tablecloth over the rock.

He sprang lightly down on to a heap of shingle, and reached for it, still humming the _chanson_ that the little English girl had somehow put into his head.
The next instant a deep growl arrested him, and sharply he drew back.
There was something more than a pair of sandals on the towel above him, something that crouched in an attitude of tense hostility, daring him to approach.

It was only a small creature that thus challenged him, only a weird black terrier of doubtful extraction, but he bristled from end to end with animosity.

Quite plainly he regarded the sandals as his responsibility.

With glaring eyes and gleaming teeth he crouched, prepared to defend them.
The young Frenchman's discomfiture was but momentary.