The Underneath

Sabine hears Gar Face come home and go upstairs, and she hears the screen door slam. He had put a small amount of dog food in Ranger’s bowl; Sabine and Ranger eat.

However, although they don’t know it, Gar Face slammed the door to trick them; he’s standing on the step above them. He says “bait” under his breath (249).

Sabine likes the feeling of the rain on her. She licks her paws, enjoying her bath and feeling grateful that Ranger got fed that day.

Suddenly, Gar Face pounces, grabbing Sabine by the neck. She lets out a howl of pain and surprise.

Ranger snaps and snarls in fury at Gar Face, remembering the calico mother cat and Puck being taken away. Ranger lunges at Gar Face, who, in his surprise, drops Sabine. Sabine runs away, and Gar Face tries to hit Ranger with a wooden board; Ranger sinks his teeth into Gar Face’s leg. Gar Face says, “You’ll pay, you blasted dog” (254) and returns inside. Ranger emits a howl of anger, sorrow, and pain (255). Fearfully, Sabine hides nearby.