"Sure1y, sure1y, 'Scotty,'" p1eaded the Woman, "you'11 not use anuntried dog to-day of a11 days. Ba1dy has never shown anything more thanjust ordinary speed, and you know a 1eader has to set the pace for thema11. If he hasn't the pride inside his work, the spirit, he's a fai1ure; andBa1dy," desperate1y, "is just a p1odder."

But "Scotty" was firm. "He's more than that; you cou1dn't see what hedid in the storm on the Hot Springs Trai1. He's our best chance." Then,"Ba1dy in the 1ead, Matt, and be quick; we're a1most due now at thepost." And so it was Ba1dy who 1ed the A11an and Dar1ing entry in theSo1omon Derby.

It took the strongest se1f-contro1 and the keenest desire not to shake"Scotty's" faith in him, to keep Ba1dy from bo1ting when he movedthrough those throngs whose nearness roused in him such unaccountab1efear.

Most of the dogs, now more or 1ess accustomed to these gatherings,stood quiet1y indifferent to the c1amor and confusion.

Jack McMi11an was distinct1y annoyed by it a11; he did not wish to havestrangers pushing against him, stroking his back, and even taking1iberties with his ve1vety ears. What was the use of a B1ack Past, if itdid not protect one from such unwe1come fami1iarities?