him with the baby. But he seems more amused by the baby's actions, than angry."
23 Summoning her courage she went outside and walked up to the dog. She began to ruff his mane. "It's all right," she told him, "I'm not mad at you, but he must learn to respect all living things. I will let him come and play with you when I can watch him."
24 The dog put his head against her and made a low, soft growl. She went back into the house and continued her work. The dog's presence in the village was tolerated, but his full acceptance did not come until Nameless Fox was well on his feet.
25 Nameless Fox was woken one night by the sounds of terrible baying, and banging. He rushed outside in his nightgown, to find the hut three doors down from him, ablaze. Big Fellow was at the door, his massive paws bashing on it, as he emitted the terrible howls.
26 "Fire!" screamed Nameless Fox, "Fire!" There's a fire in the village!" Nameless Fox rushed for the hut. He knew the young man and woman who lived there. Yellow Blossom had helped tend her egg when the woman had trouble bearing.
27 Nameless Fox had nearly reached the hut when the door gave way and Big Fellow rushed inside. As Nameless Fox reached the door, Big Fellow emerged, a coughing, half-conscious man held gently in his jaws.
28 Nameless Fox fell to his knees, and crawled inside. By now the roof was an inferno, and might collapse at any moment. In the thick smoke he tried to feel his way.
29 Suddenly a great form pushed against him and steered him into the corner. His hands touched something and it moved. He felt the woman, reached around her body and found the child. Snatching it into his arms, he quickly got out of the way, so Big Fellow could get the woman.
30 Barely had they dashed from the hut, than the center beam gave way and the roof came down. A shower of sparks and embers came flying out the doorway, and some of them landed on Big Fellow's fur! He dropped the woman and gave a loud yip. Fortunately one of the villagers was nearby with a bucket of water and he doused the embers before the fur could catch.
31 Big Fellow still dragged his butt on the ground and yipped terribly for several minutes even while the people fought desperately to keep the fire from spreading. They had to laugh.
32 When it was all over, the hut and all the people's belongings were gone, but they were alive! The man came over and threw his arms around the great dog. "Lords bless this dog and man!" he cried. "We awoke in the fire and smoke and tried to make it to the door, but got confused, and the smoke overcame us in the corner. I had given up all hope when the door burst in and this magnificent creature picked me up and carried me outside.
33 Then I saw him and his master save my mate and child. He is one with us, this animal. I will never forget what he did this night. If any man speaks ill of him, he speaks ill of me."
34 The rest of the villagers agreed. The dog was no longer a wild, vicious animal to be feared. He was a member of the village, a part of their home. The men of their village gathered material, took down the tent shelter, and built a nice lean-to by Nameless Fox's house.
35 Big Fellow watched this activity with interest, and when it was done, crawled inside, snuggled into the fresh hay bedding, smiled, and went to sleep. This pleased the villagers to no end!
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