`` It 's a -- '' began Curtis angrily . Then he checked himself and went on more calmly . `` That ca n't be so , Mr. Stockton . My dog would not harm anything . '' `` He killed or helped to kill six of the finest sheep in my flock ! '' retorted old Paul . `` What proof have you of it ? '' demanded Curtis , trying to keep his anger within bounds . `` Abner Peck saw your dog and Ventnor 's running together through my sheep pasture at sundown on Tuesday evening , '' answered old Paul . `` Wednesday morning I found this in the corner of the pasture where the sheep were worried . Your uncle admits that it was tied around your dog 's neck on Tuesday . '' And old Paul held out triumphantly a faded red ribbon . Curtis recognized it at a glance . It was the ribbon his little cousin , Lena , had tied around Don 's neck Tuesday afternoon . He remembered how they had laughed at the effect of that frivolous red collar and bow on Don 's massive body . `` I 'm sure Don is n't guilty ! '' he cried passionately . Mr. Locksley shook his head . `` I 'm afraid he is , Curtis . The case looks very black against him , and sheep-stealing is a serious offence . ''
`` The dog must be shot , '' said old XXXXX decidedly .
Curtis Don Lena Locksley Paul Peck Stockton Ventnor evening offence