Really, I am used to the very best things. I am sorry about my paws."
The man smiled in spite of a determination to be very stern with a tramp who took such liberties. The smile did not escape the snapping, intelligent eyes.
Pierre got down from the chair deliberately, and came mincingly towards the author, the stub tail wagging feebly, dejection and tragic dog despair in every motion.
"Oh, it isn't so bad as that, Mr. Dog," said the man. "I see you are really a gentleman. We all have our ups and downs."
The Airedale stopped and listened intently to what the man said. He was watching for the intonation, to see whether it was friendly or not.
He probably concluded in his own favor,
