"Nothing more'n a big dog, sir.

Had the care of him for eight years, I have--haven't I, chevalier ?--and never a growl or scratch out of him.

No 'smile' for your old Tom, is there, Nero, boy, eh?
No fear! Ain't a thing as anybody does with him, sir, that I wouldn't do off-hand and feel quite safe." "Even to putting your head in his mouth ?" queried Cleek.
"Lord yes!" returned the man, with a laugh.

"That's nothing.

Done it many a day.