Of a sudden, the chuckle changed to a gasp.
Out through the doorway, and onto the veranda, strolled Colonel Osbourne, owner of the Lochaber Collie Kennels.

With him walked the Mistress and the Master.
At the Mistress's side paced Lad.
"It was so careless of us to leave the suitcase at home!" the Mistress was saying.

"I don't know how we could have groomed him, Colonel, if you hadn't come to our rescue by turning that kit bag's heaven-sent contents over to us.

Besides, it gave us the excuse to bring Laddie up into the house; instead of leaving him all alone in that black stall.
He hates thunderstorms, and--" A yell, from somewhere, interrupted her.

The yell was caught up.