The gardener was a strong cool-headed fellow ; he waited
till the animal was within reach, and then, by a well-
directed blow from his spade between the brute's eyes,
he split his skoll, and with a stifled growl the dog fell
dead at his feet*

In a few moments aH the boys were on the spot,
their shouts and eager questions rendering it impossible
for any one to be heard or understood. Alwyn stood
for a moment as if petrified, and then ran to the little
boy whom the bulldog had first attacked, and who
was lying crying on the ground. It was soon found



6o Alwyn Morton,

tliat lie was not mucli hnrt ; the gardener took him np
in his arms, to carry him to the house, and some
degree of silence having been obtained, he was able
to answer Simmons's question " what it was aH about."

"All that I know is, young gentlemen, that Mr.
Morton saved this little boy's life.*'

" And you. Burton, saved mine. How can I thank
you enoagh ? "

" Don't thank me," said the man, drawing the sleeve
of his coat across his eyes. "Thank God, who has
given you so much courage. You saved this child ; I
saved you — and this brute," giving the dead dog a
kick, "will never bite any one again. I must take
this little fellow to Mrs. Watson."

" Three cheers for Always Morton," cried the Orator,
and lustily they were given by all the boys. " Now
one good one for old Burton ; " and this was eagerly
responded to.
