In the same instant he beheld the advancing Ruloff; and the wise old brain read the situation at a glance.
Stopping only to lick the tear-streaked little face, Lad bounded in front of Sonya and faced the father.

The collie's feeble old body was tense; his eyes blazed with indignant fury.

His hackles bristled.

The yellowed and useless teeth glinted from beneath back-writhed lips.

For all his age, Lad was a terrible and terrifying figure as he stood guard over the helpless waif.
Ruloff hesitated an instant, taken aback by the apparition.