He gave adoring, tremulous welcome with his clear eyes shining in the darkness.

"Well, Stan, old boy," said Hawker, stooping to stroke the dog's head.

After his master had entered the house the dog went forward and sniffed at something that lay on the top step.

Apparently it did not interest him greatly, for he returned in a moment to the door-mat.
But he was again obliged to uncurl himself, for his master came out of the house with a lighted lamp and made search of the door-mat, the steps, and the walk, swearing meanwhile in an undertone.

The dog wagged his tail and sleepily watched this ceremony.