lf-open hand
closed in a firm grip that gathered in the slack of the skin of one side
of Jerry's head and jowl. Then the hand began to shake him back and
forth with such good will that he was compelled to balance back and forth
on all his four feet.

It was bliss to Jerry. Nay, more, it was ecstasy. For Jerry knew there
was neither anger nor danger in the roughness of the shake, and that it
was play of the sort that he and Michael had indulged in. On occasion,
he had so played with Biddy and lovingly mauled her about. And, on very
rare occasion, _Mister_ Haggin had lovingly mauled him about. It was
speech to Jerry, full of unmistakable meaning.

As the shake grew rougher, Jerry emitted his most ferocious growl, which
grew more ferocious with the increasing violence of the shaking. But
that, too, was play, a making believe to hurt the one he liked too well
to hurt. He strained and tugged at the grip, trying to twist his jowl in
the slack of skin so as to reach a bite.

When Skipper, with a quick thrust, released him and shoved him clear, he
came back, all teeth and growl, to be again caught and shaken. The play
continued, with rising excitement to Jerry. Once, too quick for Skipper,
he caught his hand between teeth; but he did not bring them together.
They pressed lovingly, denting the skin, but there was no bite in them.

The play grew rougher, and Jerry lost himself in the play. Still
playing, he grew so excited that all that had been feigned became actual.
This was battle a struggle against the hand that seized and shook him and
thrust him away. The make-believe of ferocity passed out of his growls;
the ferocity in them became real. Also, in the moments when he was
shoved away and was springing back to the attack, he yelped in
high-pitched puppy hysteria. And Captain Van Horn, realizing, suddenly,
instead of clutching, extended his hand wide open in the peace sign that
is as ancient as the human hand. At the same time his voice rang out the
single word, "Jerry!" In it was all the imperativeness of reproof and
command and all the solicitous insistence of love.

Jerry knew and was checked back to himself. He was instantly contrite,
all soft humility, ears laid back with pleadingness for forgiveness and
protestation of a warm throbbing heart of love. Instantly, from an open-
mouthed, fang-bristling dog in full career of attack, he melted into a
bundle of softness and silkiness, that trotted to the o