"There, it might have been worse.
Let them drink, and then bring them back to the waggon and tie them up.
We must keep them on the chain till we get them home.

Poor fellows, then!" he cried, reaching down to pat the dripping heads.

"There! you've had as much as is good for you.

Come along." A tug or two at the chains brought the dogs out, to let themselves off, as it were, and scatter glistening water drops from their shaggy hides, after which they broke out into a duet of barks, and danced about on the bank, wagging their tails, evidently inviting Nic to cast sticks into the water for them to fetch, but they followed quietly enough, with the horses behind them, lowering their heads to bite playfully at the collies' waving tails.
"You can get at your portmanteau; it's on the top," said the doctor, as soon as the dogs were secured.

"Get out some dry things.