The policeman driving the automobile let out a startled cry when the truck hit the big dog. All men's heads whipped forward with the breaks. Jim cursed loudly, and Angel slid to a stop when she saw the grisly scene unfold.

"Scamp!" She cried. Her best friend was still clamped tight in Buster's seemingly lifeless jaws. She crept forward, nudging Scamp's dripping, dirty cheek. He was lying spread eagle on the pavement, with the one leg at an odd angle due to the hold on it. He cracked open one brown eye and looked at Angel without raising his head.

"Hi."

"Was that a dog?" The policeman said gruffly. He stepped out of the automobile and shut the door behind him, covering his head with one arm to shield his eyes against the onslaught of rain. He strode around his vehicle while the rest of the procession of cars and carriages slowed to a stop to see what was going on.

"It's Scamp!" Jim Dear proclaimed, rushing to his dog's rescue. He poked the side of Buster's head with the toe of his shoe. The dog's grip on Scamp's leg relaxed and his head fell to the side. Scamp wiggled away and stood, with Angel supporting him. He wasn't on his feet for long, however. Jim had him scooped off of the ground in an instant. He checked the pup over, wiping blood from his eyes and examining his lacerated hind leg.

The policeman poked Buster in the same fashion as Jim, but with his bully stick. Buster remained motionless.

"Er.." The man mumbled. "The brute is dead."

Angel stared at the lifeless body for what felt like an eternity. It was over. It was really, honestly over. The terror that had plagued her family and friends, and probably countless others, was dead. Buster's beady eyes were beginning to glass over. He was staring ahead at nothing, wearing a look of hatred even in death.

Jim Dear gasped suddenly.

"Junior! We have to find him!" Angel's heart lurched. She'd forgetten about the baby for a moment. Everyone had in the chaos that had unfolded.

A sudden clamour erupted. All of the policemen were shouting and pointing at a shape emerging across the misty street.

The Tramp was steadily limping across the road, leaning against Meelus. In his jaws was a tattered sailor suit, and in the sailor suit was Junior. Darling jumped out of one of the vehicles, and Jim was only a step ahead of her. Both of the worried parents were loudly calling their son's name.

The Tramp released Junior's suit as Jim swept the baby into his arms. Scamp was dropped lightly onto the ground in the process. They were soon joined by Darling, who was crying joyfully. The head policeman, the one who had been in the automobile with Jim, sprung into action. He began directing his fellows to phone the local hospital and veterinary clinics. A few of the men dispersed, looking for local houses that might have a telephone they could use.

Jim Dear looked at the huddle of dogs at his feet, which now included Tramp, Angel, Scamp, and Meelus. His rain soaked face made in difficult to tell if he was crying, but Angel thought she saw a tear coming from the man's sparkling eyes.

"Thank you. All of you."

Scamp was lying beside Darling's old rocking chair, where she was holding a sleeping Junior. The baby's foot was wrapped in clean bandages. Angel had her head resting on Scamp's paws. Lady and Tramp were on the other side of the chair, and Tramp's leg now had a splint to protect it. Annette, Collette, and Danielle were huddled together near the roaring fireplace, listening with rapt attention to the story Scamp and Angel were taking turns telling. Night had fallen long ago, but no one was willing to go to bed quite yet.

Jim Dear stepped into the room and sat down in his favorite armchair.

"Officer Gilroy called. He said that the dog that took Junior is dead. One of the beasts that escaped the pound, you remember, don't you Darlking?"

Darling gasped.

"That dog had my baby?" She said in her soft, sweet voice.

Jim leaned out of his chair to give Scamp, then Angel, a scratch behind the ear.

"That's right. And another, a white one, they said, is still out there. If it wasn't for these dogs, who knows what would have happened to the little tike..." Jim trailed off, obviously not wanting to imagine what fate could have befallen his son.

Darling continued rocking her baby in silence for a while. Everyone seemed to enjoy the quiet, it was comforting in a way. They were all here together, a family.

Jim finally spoke up.

"We'll be needing someone to protect Junior while that dog is still around."

Scamp was suddenly very interested in what Jim Dear had to say. His curiousity was up. He lifted his head only far enough that it rested on top of Angel's. It gave him a better view of Jim Dear, who was still softly petting the dogs.

"I was thinking that we should keep these dogs close." All of the dogs raised their heads, grinning wildly.

Darling gazed down at Angel and Scamp, lying together.

"I think that's a wonderful idea. I do say, Jim, I've grown rather fond of the little angel." She paused, as though thinking.

"Why, that's what we should call her! Angel."

Scamp felt Jim Dear's hand run off of his back and under Angel's chin admiringly.

"It's perfect."

The little gray dog nuzzled Angel's head, eliciting a few teasing remarks about how gross it was from his sisters. He didn't care right now though, he was too happy. He buried his muzzle into the fur on the back of her neck. Her fur was standing straight there, in an almost static shock of joy. He could feel her tail wagging beside him, and he laughed.

"Welcome home, Angel."