That was all Laddie knew or cared.

With his wonted trumpet-bark of challenge, he sped toward her.
The Mistress, recovering from her surprise at the apparition of the huge pig, noticed the bunch of canna-bulbs dangling from the slobbery lips.

This very week all the bulbs were to have been dug up and taken into the greenhouse, for the winter.

Angered,--with all a true flower-lover's indignation,--at this desecrating of one of her beloved plants, she caught up a stick which had been used as a rose-prop.
Brandishing this, and crying "Shoo!" very valiantly indeed, she advanced upon the sow.
The latter did not stir; except to lower her bristling head an inch or so; and let drop the bunch of bulbs from between her razor-teeth.

The Mistress advanced another step; and struck at the beast.
The sow veered, to avoid the blow; then, with ludicrous yet deadly swiftness, wheeled back and charged straight for the woman.
Many a child and not a few grown men and women have gone down under such murderous charges; to be trampled and gouged and torn to death, before help could come.