"Is anything the matter?" said a voice in a low whisper, and they found that Gertrude had come softly down the stairs, and that Mrs Hampton was looking over the balustrade. "No, nothing is wrong," said George hastily. "But I heard Bruno howling. Yes: there it is again." George explained the reason, and after a few moments' conversation they were about to return upstairs when, in spite of the closed doors, the dog's howl came in a deep, low, thrilling tone, and directly after he began to bark in a deep utterance that seemed to vibrate through the house. "He'll set that young fellow off again," said George Harrington sharply. "I'll try and get him back to the stable." "I'll come and help you," said Gertrude quietly. "No; the animal developed such strange ferocity that I don't think it is safe." "Safe? Bruno would not hurt me," said Gertrude, with a smile. "Not intentionally, perhaps; but leave him to me." There was so much decision in the request--a request which almost sounded like an order, that Gertrude, hardly knowing why, gave way at once, and returned with Mrs Hampton to their room, while in company with the lawyer, George Harrington went back to the cellar door, just within which they could hear the dog snuffing, and every now and then uttering his uneasy whine, followed by a howl. "What is it, my lad?" said George, with his mouth to the key-hole. The effect was magical, for the dog seemed to raise himself up against the door, barking wildly, and then they could hear him scratching away the sawdust. "Lie down, old chap! Lie down, Bruno!" cried George. There was at this another sharp burst of barking, as if the dog was excitedly striving to get out. "Shut that baize door, sir," said George; "and then we must get him out, and back to the stable. He'll worry the doctor's patient to death." The key was brought forth, and George proceeded to open the door. "Do you think there's any danger?" whispered the old lawyer. "Not a bit." "But he seems so savage." "Not with me," said George, as he threw open the door. "Here, Bruno!" he cried. The dog bounced out, and for the moment it seemed to Mr Hampton that he was about to attack the young man, for he rose on his hind legs, and placed his paws breast-high, barking furiously. "Come, come; what's the matter?" said George, seizing him with both hands by the collar. "Don't you like to be shut up there. Some folks would; eh, sir?" "I don't think the brute is safe," said Mr Hampton. "Pray get him out." "Yes, I'll take him to the stable. Now, Bruno, old chap. Will you lock that door, sir?" George Harrington had to speak loudly, for the dog was keeping up his excited bark, and mingling it with whines; but the moment the old lawyer moved towards the door the animal dropped down on all fours, shook himself free, and dashed back into the wine-cellar. "Come out, sir!" cried the lawyer. "I thought he didn't like the place?" "Here--Bruno, Bruno!"