Zane's remarks had been called forth by Betty's dog.

He came limping painfully up the road from the direction of the river.

When he saw Col.

Zane he whined and crawled to the Colonel's feet.

The dog was wet and covered with burrs, and his beautiful glossy coat, which had been Betty's pride, was dripping with blood.
"Silas, Jonathan, come here," cried Col.Zane.