twelves stories making up this novel are: "His Mate", "Quiet", "A Miracle or Two", "His Little Son", "For a Bit of Ribbon", "Lost!", "The Throwback", "The Golden Hat", "Speaking of Utility", "The Killer", "Wolf", and "In the Day of Battle". Albert Payson Terhune (1872 – 1942) was an American writer, journalist and dog breeder. He studied at Columbia University where he graduated with a Bachelor in Arts. As well as dog breeding, he also took part in boxing matches, and was a member of the Adventure’s Club of New York. He wrote a series of dog-focuses stories and novels, including the 1919 "Lad: A Dog". His novels were popular with both adults and children, and have inspired countless writers and screenwriters after him. His New Jersey estate, Sunnybank, still stands to this day and is maintained is in his memory.