Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Bert Hillman searches for a wild dog blamed for killing sheep. John meets Bert as the rural community reacts to the threat.

Nearby Farm Country — The story begins in the rural area surrounding the farms. Location: Farm vicinity
Painter Meets Foreman — John Hammond and Bert Hillman meet near the surrounding farms. Characters: John Hammond, Bert Hillman Location: Farm vicinity
Sheep Killing Reported — Bert is searching for a wild dog blamed for killing a sheep. Characters: Bert Hillman Location: Nearby farm
Wild Dog Tracked — Bert and his helper search the area for the suspected wild dog. Characters: Bert Hillman Location: Farm vicinity

The wild dog and one pup are killed, but another puppy is found alive after Bert leaves. John takes notice of the survivor.

Dog Is Found — The searchers locate the wild dog and its young. Characters: Bert Hillman Location: Farm vicinity
Dog And Pup Killed — The wild dog and one of its pups are killed. Characters: Bert Hillman Location: Farm vicinity
Foreman Departs — Bert leaves after the wild dog encounter. Characters: Bert Hillman Location: Farm vicinity
Surviving Pup Discovered — John discovers that another puppy has survived. Characters: John Hammond Location: Farm vicinity

The surviving puppy is brought home. John fears its inherited hunting instinct but allows it to be raised in hopes of controlling that danger.

Surviving Pup Discovered — John discovers that another puppy has survived. Characters: John Hammond Location: Farm vicinity
Puppy Taken Home — The surviving puppy is taken to the Hammond home. Characters: John Hammond Location: Hammond home
Dangerous Instinct Feared — John worries that the puppy may later become a sheep killer. Characters: John Hammond Location: Hammond home
Chance To Raise Pup — John permits the puppy to be raised in hopes of curbing its hunting instinct. Characters: John Hammond Location: Hammond home

Further sheep killings occur across nearby farms. John immediately suspects the puppy, turning his earlier concern into an urgent accusation.

More Sheep Are Killed — Many sheep are killed on farms in the surrounding area. Characters: John Hammond Location: Nearby farms
John Suspects The Pup — John immediately suspects that the surviving puppy is responsible. Characters: John Hammond Location: Hammond home
Instinct Becomes Central — The puppy's suspected connection to the killings becomes the central unresolved danger. Characters: John Hammond Location: Hammond home

Story Breakdown

Rural Setting — The story is established among farms near John Hammond's home.
- Farm Vicinity — The opening takes place in the countryside surrounding several farms.
- Sheep At Risk — A sheep has been killed, creating fear among nearby farmers.
Bert's Search — Bert Hillman investigates the animal blamed for the sheep killing.
- Foreman Appears — John meets Bert, the foreman on a nearby farm.
- Wild Dog Tracked — Bert and his helper search for the suspected wild dog.
The Violent Discovery — The search ends with the wild dog and one of its pups being killed.
- Dog Located — The searchers find the wild dog and its young.
- Pup Survives — One puppy remains alive after the encounter.
A New Home — John brings the surviving puppy home and considers its future.
- Puppy Taken In — The surviving puppy is taken to the Hammond home.
- Name And Care — The puppy is given a name and considered for domestic raising.
Fear Of Instinct — John worries that the puppy may inherit the behavior associated with the wild dog.
- Sheep Killer Fear — John fears the puppy could eventually kill sheep.
- Instinct Controlled — John hopes that raising the puppy can curb its hunting instinct.
Suspicion Returns — New killings transform John's concern into direct suspicion of the surviving puppy.
- Nearby Farms Struck — Many sheep are killed on farms in the vicinity.
- John Suspects Pup — John immediately connects the new killings to the puppy.