A STRING OF DOG TALES 297 



run under such circumstances would mean to be 

 overtaken and possibly torn to pieces. To stand 

 and fight such brutes would mean serious injury 

 on my part, with all the chances of victory on the 

 side of the dogs. If they struck me and I fell 

 there would be little chance even of my life. In 

 fact it looked as if this account was never to be 

 written, but I spread my legs wide apart, composed 

 myself as well as I could, resolving neither to 

 fight nor run away, but to hold my ground and at 

 the same time to talk sharply and in a command- 

 ing voice to the savage beasts. Several times the 

 dogs rushed at me, evidently expecting me to flee 

 or strike at them. At one time two of the big 

 animals had their fore feet upon my shoulders, 

 but my stubborn attitude of command puzzled and 

 embarrassed them, and prevented them from bit- 

 ing me; and by the time that help came the dogs 

 had retired some distance, where they stood growl- 

 ing and talking the incident over among themselves 

 in dog language. 



DON'T EVER RUN AWAY FROM A DOG 



unless you are absolutely certain that you can get 

 out of its reach. Remember that even the most 

 cowardly cur will attack a fleeing man. While it 

 may be safe to kick a small dog which is barking 

 and snapping around your heels, don't ever at- 

 tempt to fight a big and savage dog, for the brute 

 may happen to be a plucky one, in which case you 



