Wolf and Bruce, coming home at a leisurely trot, from their ramble in the forest, had heard the two reports of the shotgun; and had broken into a run.

They read the meaning in Lad's exhausted bark, as clearly as humans might read a printed word.

And it lent wings to their feet.
Around the corner of the house tore the two returning collies.

In a single glance, they seemed to take in the whole grisly scene.

They, too, had had their bouts with marauding swine; and they were still young enough to enjoy such clashes and to partake of them without danger.
The sow, too blind with pain and rage to know reinforcements were coming to the aid of the half-dead hero, tore forward.