He dropped his rifle instinctively, and seized the dog by the throat with both hands.

A bark following the snarl had risen to the animal's throat, but it was cut short there.

The hands of the great youth pressed tighter and tighter, and the dog was lifted from the earth.

The four stood quietly beside their comrade, knowing that no alarm would be made now.
The dog kicked convulsively, then hung without motion or noise.

Henry cast the dead body aside, picked up his rifle, and then all five of them sank softly down in the shelter of the grapevines.