The Good Dog by Avi Page A

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    It was only a whisper, but enough to make McKinley realize he’d come down too far. Heart thumping, he crept back through the thick foliage. Gradually, he began to pick up the scent. The two men, as well as Redburn, were between him and the boulders.
    McKinley decided to hold back, then startle them so Duchess could escape. For the greatest surprise he would come at them from behind.
    He lifted his nose to catch the direction of the wind. Not that the humans could detect his approach, but Redburn would. Being downwindof the setter would help conceal him. Crawling, McKinley stole forward.
    â€œBet you anything Duchess is right in among those boulders,” Pycraft said. “Come on, Duchess, you stupid dog. Get on out. You hear me?”
    Drawing closer, McKinley sighted the boulders. Pycraft was standing on one side of the open space, Duchess’s leash in hand. Sullivan was on the other side, holding the long gun. Between the two was Redburn. The setter had his tail stuck straight behind him, one paw lifted, head extended forward. He was pointing right at the boulders.
    â€œKeep the rifle handy,” Pycraft warned. “Remember what I told you about snakes. If they’re going to be anywhere, it’ll be by those rocks.”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Sullivan said. “I’m ready.”
    â€œCome on, Duchess,” Pycraft crooned.
    To McKinley it was a sickening sound.
    â€œTime to get on home, baby. Got some good food for you, girl.” Pycraft stretched his other hand out. There was a dog biscuit in it.
    McKinley, watching intently, was not sure whento rush forward. Perhaps Duchess would not stir and there would be no need. Surely the greyhound knew that the men were there, and that they could not go in after her.
    Suddenly Redburn cringed, lowered himself, and let out a high-pitched whine. He looked around at Sullivan.
    â€œWhat’s the matter with him?” Pycraft cried.
    â€œI don’t know.”
    McKinley knew immediately. The dog must have detected Lupin’s presence. But was it just the wolf’s scent, or was she actually close?
    Pycraft was edging forward. “I know you’re in there, Duchess sweetie,” he coaxed. “Come on, baby. Come to Papa.”
    Duchess poked her face out of the entry hole. Her big eyes shifted from Pycraft to Redburn, then to Sullivan. When she saw the long gun, she cowered and whimpered.
    Pycraft moved closer. Squatting, he stretched out the hand holding the biscuit. He kept the leash in his other hand, behind his back.
    McKinley was sure Duchess would know about the leash. Why was she still moving forward?
    â€œHere you go, girl,” Pycraft coaxed, showing the biscuit. “You got to be hungry. I know you are. Here. It’s your favorite kind. Bacon flavored.”
    Duchess, you fool! McKinley worried. What are you doing? Get back into the boulders!
    But Duchess, tail tucked low, continued to slink from her hiding place. Now she was in the open. McKinley heard her whimper, and saw her look anxiously at Sullivan.
    â€œThat-a-girl,” Pycraft kept saying. He dropped the leash to the ground and reached out toward his dog. Duchess, her body low, crept toward him.
    Redburn, meanwhile, was edging away. One paw was partly raised, his tongue was out, his tail down but wagging slightly.
    Sullivan turned to his dog. “What’s the matter, big boy?” he demanded. “You did your job. What’s getting at you?”
    McKinley was now sure that Lupin was nearby and drawing closer. But from what direction?
    Pycraft was just about to grab Duchess when a gray blur exploded from the boulder entryway. The instant the wolf hit the ground, she rushed at Pycraft. The human went sprawling onto his back, arms spread wide.
    Lupin, mouth wide, teeth exposed, straddled him, snarling. “Leave Duchess alone!” she barked.
    An astonished McKinley just stared.
    â€œHelp! Help!” Pycraft screamed.