Lynette had never seen a dog like this one, big and lean and forbidding; as tall as a calf in her suddenly frightened eyes, wolfish looking, with stiff bristles rising along powerful neck and back, and eyes red-rimmed, and sharp-toothed mouth slavering. At Standing's command the great dog, which had come upon her on such noiseless pads, dropped to the ground as though a bullet instead of a commanding voice had drilled its heart. But still the steady eyes filled with suspicion and menace were fixed on her. "He'd tear your throat out if I gave the word," said Standing. "Now you do what I tell you; go to him and set your hand on his head!" "I won't!" she cried out sharply, drawing back. The deep, throaty growl came again; the dog's lips trembled and withdrew from the long, wolfish teeth; the whole gaunt form was aquiver.... "But you will! Otherwise.... He'll not hurt you when once I tell him not to. Go to him; put your hand on his head.... Afraid?" he jeered. She was afraid. Sick-afraid. And yet she gave her taunter one withering glance and stepped swiftly, though her flesh quivered, to the dog. "Steady, Thor!" cried Standing sternly. "You dog, steady, sir!" The dog growled and the teeth were like evil, poisonous fangs. Yet Lynette came another step toward him; she stooped; she put forward her hand.... "_Thor!_" Standing's voice rang out, filled with warning. Thor began whining. Lynette put her hand upon the big head. Thor trembled. Suddenly he lay flat, belly down; the head between the outstretched fore paws. He whined again. Standing laughed and began bridling and saddling his horse. Thor jumped up and frisked about his master; Standing fondled him, as he had fondled Daylight, by striking him resoundingly. "To play safe," he flung over his shoulder at Lynette, "better come here." When she had drawn close Standing stooped and patted the dog's head. Then, while Thor, snarling, looked on, he put out his hand and placed it for a fleeting instant upon Lynette's shoulder. "Good dog," he said quietly. Then he caught up her hand and placed it on Thor's head, cupped under his own. "Good dog," he said again. And then he told Lynette to call the dog. She did so, saying in an uncertain voice: "Here, Thor!... Come here, Thor!" "Thor!" cried Standing commandingly. "Good dog!" Thor trembled, but he went to her. He allowed her to pat him. Then, with a suddenness which startled her, he shot out a red tongue to lick her hand. Standing burst into sudden pleased laughter. "Your friend ... so long as I don't set him on you!" he cried out. "You are a beast ... who herd with beasts!" she said, shuddering. He laughed again and finished drawing tight cinch and strapping latigo. He tied his small pack at the strings behind the saddle and said briefly: "Since we're in a hurry, suppose you ride while I walk alongside? We'll make better time that way."