Lad was between the irate Cyril and the Mistress.

In babyish rage at the dog's placid presence in his path, he drew back one ungainly foot and kicked the astonished collie in the ribs.
At the outrage, Lad spun about, a growl in his throat.

But he forbore to bite or even to show his teeth.

The growl had been of indignant protest at such unheard-of treatment; not a menace.

Then the dog stalked haughtily to his cave, and lay down there.
But the human witnesses to the scene were less forbearing;--being only humans.