"Hoe, Master Nic, hoe," whispered Pete excitedly; "he's been watching
us, and he's sent the dogs at us for not being at work."
As proof thereof the two fierce-looking brutes came rushing down one of
the rows, open-mouthed, and Pete raised his hoe as if to strike.
"Me first, Master Nic," panted Pete. "I aren't afeared. Let him do
what he likes after; I'll kill one or both on 'em before they shall
touch you."
At that moment there was a savage growling from the dogs not thirty
yards away, and they came rushing at the poor fellows as hard as they
could tear.