CHAPTER VI. The Tracker

In Chapter VI of “Further Adventures of Lad” titled “The Tracker,” the Place becomes the temporary home of an unruly child named Cyril. Cyril is sent to the Place while his parents are in Europe, largely due to his poor health and their hope that the countryside will aid his recovery. Cyril proves to be a challenge, causing chaos and displaying a notable lack of discipline, particularly in contrast to the well-mannered collie, Lad.

Cyril’s mischievousness quickly disrupts the tranquility of the Place, leading to trouble with the staff and discomfort for the animals, especially Lad. Despite Cyril’s unjust and cruel treatment, Lad’s noble nature prevents him from retaliating against the child. However, the harassment continues unabated, affecting Lad deeply, noticed by the Mistress and Master but without a practical solution due to Cyril’s status as a guest.

A pivotal moment arrives when Cyril’s cruelty escalates, resulting in him being physically restrained by the Master for the first time, causing humiliation and anger in Cyril. In a fit of rage, Cyril decides to leave the house, planning to hide in a nearby cattle barrack until he imagines his hosts will have become suitably worried about him.

However, his plan quickly falters when he becomes lost in a blizzard and inadvertently ends up on a perilous ledge in “Pancake Hollow.” Here, he is approached by a hungry wildcat, a potentially deadly encounter that Lad, having followed Cyril, heroically interrupts. Lad attacks the wildcat, saving Cyril but nearly falling off the ledge himself. In a moment of panic, Cyril strikes Lad, who was already risking his life to protect the boy.

The chapter explores themes of loyalty and forgiveness through Lad’s unwavering dedication to protecting even those who wrong him. Despite Cyril’s mistreatment, Lad fulfills his role as a protector, showcasing the collie’s inherent nobility and the depth of his loyalty to the Master and Mistress, by extension, to all they hold dear, including Cyril. The narrative highlights the stark contrast between Lad’s heroic nature and Cyril’s selfishness, illustrating the honor and unconditional love dogs often display, even in the face of mistreatment.