The words brought Ted to a shocked halt, just as he was entering the
kitchen. He turned to stare in disbelief and Tammie, sensing that
something was wrong, searched his master's face as though this would
show him what he must do. Failing to find any guiding sign, the collie
turned toward the two strangers. He did nothing and would do nothing
until Ted or Al told him to. But he was ready for any part he must take.
In his turn, Ted looked to his father for a clue and found none.
Whatever Al might feel, he was successfully hiding it, and his voice was
neither raised nor lowered when he spoke.
"Somebody finally got him, huh?"