Before they were hurried away to warmth and shelter , old Paul Stockton caught Curtis 's hand . The tears were running freely down his hard , old face . `` Tell your uncle he is not to lay a finger on that dog ! '' he said . `` He never killed a sheep of mine -- he could n't ! And if he did I do n't care ! He 's welcome to kill them all , if nothing but mutton 'll serve his turn . '' Curtis walked home with a glad heart . Mr. Locksley heard old Paul 's message with a smile . He , too , had been touched by Don 's splendid feat . `` Well , Curtis , I 'm very glad that it has turned old Paul in his favour . But we must shut Don up for a week or so , no matter how hard he takes it . You can see that for yourself . After all , he might have worried the sheep . And , anyway , he must be broken of his intimacy with Ventnor 's dog . '' Curtis acknowledged the justice of this and poor Don was tied up again . His captivity was not long , however , for Ventnor 's dog was soon shot . When Don was released , Curtis had an anxious time for a week or two . But no more sheep were worried , and Don 's innocence was triumphantly established . As for old Paul Stockton , it seemed as if he could not do enough for Curtis and Don .
His ancient grudge against the Locksleys was completely forgotten , and from that date he was a firm friend XXXXX Curtis .
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