Lassie Page #6

I suppose you think I'm an old buffer

who's easily fooled.

This isn't my dog.

Any idiot can see that.

She must be some kind of stray

you picked up.

Don't try palming her off on me.

The dog I bought was big and healthy.

Not a worn-out old mutt like this one.

And Mr Hynes here knows that very well.

Your Grace, look at these markings.

- I'll stake my reputation...

- Reputation?

Mr Hynes, I think we are both aware

what a fragile little creature that is.

Don't be ridiculous, man. How could

a dog get all the way here from Scotland?

It's nearly 500 miles for a bird,

let alone for a dog, wandering about,

trying to make its own way.

It's impossible.

Wouldn't you agree, Officer?

Yes, Your Grace.

If you say it's not yours,

then that's the end of it.

You keep her if you want her.

Nothing to do with me.

Nothing to do with me.

Come along, girlie.

- That was kind of you.

- Nonsense. I'm not a kind person.

- I'm not finished yet.

- What do you mean?

Your Grace...

I swear that was your dog.

She knew me. I could tell.

- Mr Hynes, are you still here?

- Yes, sir.

I mean, Your Grace... sir.

I'm sorry, but you must excuse us.

We were in the middle of lunch.

Some other time, perhaps.

- But I'm telling you...

- Skipper, Bo'sun.

(growling)

Hello, boys. Remember me?

- (barks)

- Now, then, let's not get too excited, eh?

Stay... stay...

Cor lummie.

(Hynes whimpers)

I have a proposition to make to you,

Mr Carraclough.

Since the sad departure of Mr Hynes,

we have a vacancy at the Hall.

I wondered if you'd be interested.

Head kennel man, looking after my dogs.

When the army is done with you,

of course.

The pay is fair enough, I should think.

How much would "fair enough" be,

exactly?

Ooh, I should say...

- Seven pound?

- Good Lord, no!

Five and not a penny more.

- Six pound ten shilling.

- Shall we call it six guineas?

Done.

(spits)

You drive a hard bargain,

Mrs Carraclough.

And what about the kennel man's

cottage on the moor?

As head kennel man, yes,

the cottage would be yours.

You'd have to take the family.

And, of course, any animals you have.

Would that be acceptable?

Thank you, Your Grace.

That would be most acceptable.

That mutt of yours

is looking a little better, young man.

You won't be able to recognise her

in a couple of weeks.

I don't doubt it.

(laughs) I don't doubt it.

Come on, girlie.

Now, don't wriggle.

I can't stand anyone wriggling.

See? You are nice after all.

Nonsense. I swore I'd have that dog

and now I've got her.

I just had to buy the man as well.

I think I've got a bargain, don't you?

(laughs)

(rings bicycle bell)

Good morning, Mrs Carraclough.

Is Joe here?

Oh, hello. Aye, he's inside.

Go on, in you go and see him.

- Where are they?

- Ssh. Under the stairs.

(gasps)

- How many?

- Seven.

Seven.

They are so beautiful.

Are they still blind?

No, they get their eyes open

when they're ten days old.

They'll be running about on their own

soon enough.

(barking)

Come on!

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