The tramp who lay on the floor, as yet too surprised to
attempt to rise, rolled over and seized the book as a football
player seizes the pigskin after a fumble, covering it with his
body, his arms, and sticking out his elbows as a further
protection to the invaluable thing.
At the first cry of the woman the dog rose, growling, and
bounded into the room. The tramp leaning against the wall
saw the brute coming--a mongrel hound-dog, bristling and
savage.
The shotgun stood almost within the man's reach--a step
and it was in his hands. As though sensing the fellow's
intentions the dog wheeled from the tramp upon the floor,
toward whom he had leaped, and sprang for the other ragged
scoundrel.
The muzzle of the gun met him halfway. There was a
deafening roar. The dog collapsed to the floor, his chest torn
out. Now the woman began to scream for help; but in an
instant both the tramps were upon her choking her to silence.
One of them ran to the summer kitchen, returning a moment
later with a piece of clothesline, while the other sat
astride the victim, his fingers closed about her throat. Once he
released his hold and she screamed again. Presently she was
secured and gagged. Then the two commenced to rifle the
Bible.
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