For Lad had moved forward to where the infant collie was trying valiantly to walk on the slippery boards.

The big dog regarded the puppy; his head on one side, his tulip ears cocked; his deep-set eyes friendily curious.

This was Lad's first experience with one of the young of his species.

And he was a bit puzzled; albeit vastly interested.
Experimentally, he laid one of his tiny white forepaws lightly on the mite's fuzzy shoulder.

Instantly, the puppy growled a falsetto warning to him to keep his distance.