There, again he scratched; this time harder and more loudly.

Twice and thrice he scratched; whining under his breath.
At last the deep-slumbering Master heard him.

Rousing himself, and still three-quarters asleep, he heard not only the scratching and the whimper but, in the distance, Lady's wail of fear.

And, sleep-drugged, he mumbled: "Shut up, Laddie!--I hear her .-- Let her howl .-- If she's lonely, down there, she'll--she'll remember the lesson--all the better.

Go downstairs and--be quiet!" He fell sound asleep again.