Page:Master Frisky (1902).djvu/73

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

sible that another life might have been taken on that eventful day in Dogtown had not Judge Hill happened along.

"Stop instantly!" he said, with a terrible growl, bounding between the foaming dogs and separating them by his sheer weight. "What does this mean?" asked the judge sternly.

"He killed Snow," said Rollo, gasping for breath.

"Served him right," growled Jimmy, glaring defiantly at his accuser.

"Dogs," said the judge most sternly, "this is a very serious affair, and one that I shall not treat lightly. I summon you all to appear at the courthouse to-morrow morning, when we will inquire into this sad case; and I assure you that I shall deal severely with those responsible for it."

Promptly at nine o'clock on the morning following the violent death of Snow the dog court convened to consider the case and deal out justice. The courtroom was an old ice-house back of my barn; and I had a good opportunity to observe the dogs without being seen, and to judge of the trial as it proceeded. First came Tom Hatch, the sheriff, a tall, lank greyhound, escorting Jimmy. Poor Jimmy looked ill at ease; his eyes were blood-shot, his head hung down, and he had quite a criminal look about him.

Next to the sheriff and his charge came Rollo, bringing the body of his dear, dead