In fact, being of a chivalrous turn, he grabbed at the luckless Cinders, clutched his collar, and dragged him up again.
And--perhaps it was the generosity of the action, perhaps only its obvious fearlessness--he won Cinders' heart from that instant.

His hostility merged into sudden ardent friendship.

He set his paws on the young man's chest, and licked his face.
Thenceforth he was more than welcome to sandals and towel and even the effusive Cinders himself, who leaped around him barking in high delight, and accompanied him with giddy circlings upon his return journey.
Chris, who had viewed the encounter from afar with much interest, clapped her hands at their approach.
"And you weren't a bit afraid!" she laughed.

"I couldn't think what you would do.

Cinders looked so fierce.