Curtis caught at the stick , while a dozen men and women threw themselves bodily on Don , hugging him and kissing his wet fur like distracted creatures . Old Paul Stockton was among them . Over his shoulder Don 's big black head looked up , his eyes asking as plainly as speech what all this fuss was about . Meanwhile some of the men had already pulled a big hawser ashore and made it fast . In half an hour the crew of the Amy Reade were safe on shore , chilled and dripping . 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 XXXXX this and poor Don was tied up again .
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