He was instantly contrite, all soft humility, ears laid back with pleadingness for forgiveness and protestation of a warm throbbing heart of love.

Instantly, from an open- mouthed, fang-bristling dog in full career of attack, he melted into a bundle of softness and silkiness, that trotted to the open hand and kissed it with a tongue that flashed out between white gleaming teeth like a rose-red jewel.

And the next moment he was in Skipper's arms, jowl against cheek, and the tongue was again flashing out in all the articulateness possible for a creature denied speech.

It was a veritable love-feast, as dear to one as to the other.
"Gott-fer-dang!" Captain Van Horn crooned.

"You're nothing but a bunch of high-strung sensitiveness, with a golden heart in the middle and a golden coat wrapped all around.