For she was given to biting, with or without provocation, and every now and then she got loose--upon sundry of which occasions she had bitten boys.

Complaint had been made to her owner, but without avail; for he only professed great concern, and promised she should not get loose again, which promise had been repeatedly broken.

Various vows of vengeance had been made, and forgotten.

But now Alec Forbes had taken up the cause of humanity and justice: for the brute had bitten Annie, and _she_ could have given no provocation.
It was soon understood throughout the school that war was to be made upon Juno, and that every able-bodied boy must be ready when called out by the General.

The minute they were dismissed, which, at this season of the year, took place at three o'clock, no interval being given for dinner, because there was hardly any afternoon, the boys gathered in a knot at the door.
"What are ye gaein' to do, General ?" asked one.
"Kill her," answered Alec.
"What way ?" "Stane her to death, loons, like the man 'at brak the Sabbath." "Broken banes for broken skins--eh?
Ay!" "The damned ill-faured brute, to bite Annie Anderson!" "But there's nae stanes to be gotten i' the snaw, General," said Cadger.
"Ye gomeril! Ye'll get mair stanes nor ye'll carry, I doobt, up o' the side o' the toll-road yonner.