Dicky yawned and said, 'Let's go into the barn and make a fort.' So we did, with straw.

It does not hurt straw to be messed about with like it does hay.
The downstairs--I mean down-ladder--part of the barn was fun too, especially for Pincher.

There was as good ratting there as you could wish to see.

Martha tried it, but she could not help running kindly beside the rat, as if she was in double harness with it.

This is the noble bull-dog's gentle and affectionate nature coming out.