Maje was present, appearing calmly indifferent to the unusual amount of interest suddenly displayed in him, but he pricked up his ears ominously on seeing the white-haired visitor. “Do you think there’s any danger he’ll hurt Fluff?” Benny asked solicitously. “Don’t worry about that part of it,” Sam Hardy replied confidently. “Maje knows as well as we do that it’s his duty to be polite to strangers, an’ if he shows signs of forgettin’ it, we’ll give him a lesson that won’t soon be forgot.” “Please don’t whip him, for then he’d always remember that Fluff got him into trouble, an’ never would be friendly.” “Let young Foster down, an’ I’ll look after Maje,” Joe Cushing said as he grasped the big dog’s collar. There was a look of anxiety on Benny’s face as he gave Fluff his freedom, and saw the little fellow walk directly up to Maje in the most reckless fashion. The big dog condescended to sniff at the impudent visitor, and then he turned his head away, as if to say that such small game was entirely beneath his notice. Nor was it possible to persuade him into paying any further attention to the guest, and after several fruitless efforts Joe Cushing said with just a shade of disappointment in his tone: “Your introduction hasn’t turned out much of an affair after all, Sam. I allowed we might see some sport.” “I reckon Maje has seen Fluff too often, for I’ve caught him looking in when the doors were open. Most likely he’s made up his mind that young Foster has come to stay, an’ don’t intend to pay any attention to him. You can let your dog have the run of the station from this out Benny.” It did really seem that there was no reason to fear Maje might be tempted to do mischief, and Benny turned to go into the building, for the lamps and lanterns were yet to be trimmed. The men arose to attend to the varied duties of the day, and for an instant the attention of all was diverted from the animals. It was as if Maje had been waiting for just such an opportunity. In a twinkling, and with an agility that one would hardly have given him credit for, he seized Fluff by the neck, tossing him like a ball several feet in the air. This done, he walked away quickly, evidently knowing what would be the result if he lingered there many seconds. Fluff howled dismally while he was yet in the air, and, once on his feet again, ran to Benny for protection, grumbling and whimpering as if making complaint against such uncourteous treatment. Sam Hardy and Joe Cushing turned instantly to pursue Maje; but Benny, holding Fluff tightly in his arms, begged of them not to punish the big dog. “Of course he’s jealous, an’ it’ll only make him worse if you whip him. Please let him alone; I’m certain Fluff isn’t hurt any.” “He howled as if his throat was cut,” Sam said laughingly, as he relinquished the pursuit in accordance with Benny’s request, and Joe Cushing set about examining Fluff.