Mr. Furnay's need was extreme. "The animal suffers periodic convulsions," he said. "It may be dangerously ill "

The bald description of its symptoms startled Oliver even more than might have been expcted.

"Convulsions? What sort of animal is it, Mr. Furnay?"

"A polar bear," said Mr. Furnay.

"Polar bear " echoed Oliver, and in his shock of surprise he dropped a detaining strap and let the angry Rottweiler loose.