He swung round as the dog was passing him, and kicked it with his heavy boot.

The little creature fell on the spot, whining piteously.

"My lady's pet dog!" exclaimed the butler.

"You've broken its ribs, Sir." "I've broken it of barking, you mean," retorted Geoffrey.

"Ribs be hanged!" He turned to his brother.
"That settles it," he said, jocosely.