The dog had scant reason to love him or to seek his society.

Of late, Lad had kept out of his way as much as possible.

Thus it was not likely the collie had come here of his own accord, on such a night; for the mere joy of being with his tormentor.
His presence must mean that the Master was close behind; and that the whole Place was in a ferment of anxiety about the wanderer.

By stoning Lad away and checking the barks, Cyril might well prevent the searchers from finding him.

Too weak and too numb with cold to climb up the five-foot cliff-face to the level ground above, he did not want to miss any chance for rescue.
Hence, as Lad ceased to bark, the child set up a yell, with all his slight lung-power, to attract the seekers' notice.