Out of it stepped their friend of many years, Maclay, the local Justice of the Peace.
"Hello, Mac!" hailed the Master.

"Here to take us all to jail for assault-and-battery; or just to serve a 'dangerous dog' notice on us ?" He spoke lightly; but he was troubled.

Today's escapade might well lead the village law to take some cognizance of Lad's ferocious deed.
"No," laughed Maclay.

"Neither of those things.

I'm here, unprofessionally.