Perchance he will leap down into the pit after his master.

We will take good care he comes not forth again if he does that." With these words the rough fellows turned to the cart, which was now at the edge of the pit, and finished the rude burial which was all that could in those days be given to the dead.

Every now and then one of the men would aim a heavy stone at the poor dog, who sat on the edge of the pit howling dismally.

The creature, however, was never hit, for he kept a respectful distance from his enemies.
Their work done, the men got into the cart and drove away, without having noticed the two boys crouching beside the pile of soil in the shadow.

The dog began running backwards and forwards along the edge of the pit, which being only lately dug was still deep, though filling up very fast in these terrible days of drought and heat.
The boys rose up and called to him kindly.