For his new acquaintance had done a right non-quadrupedal thing.

Bruin had reared himself upon his hind legs; and was standing there, like a man, confronting the dog.

He towered, thus, ever so high above Lad's head.
His short arms, with their saber-shaped claws, were outstretched toward Lad, as if in humble supplication.

But there was nothing supplicating or even civil in the tiny red eyes that squinted ferociously down at the collie.

Small wonder that Laddie halted his own galloping advance; and stood doubtful! The Master, a minute earlier, had turned out of the blankets for his painfully icy morning plunge in the lakelet.