Many a long year had passed since the famous Shepherd's Trophy had been won by one of the renowned Gray Dogs of Kenmuir. And now here was the puppy, Bob, Son of Battle, beginning to show signs of promise in the effortless way he seemed to gain the sheep's confidence and handle them like an old master. Hopes began to rise and the village inn re-echoed with the talk of his chances in the coming trials.<br><br>But then there was Adam M'Adam's "Red Wull," whom men called the Tailless Tyke, a formidable rival if there ever was one, and heartily disliked by everyone in the community for his fierce, bullying ways.<br><br>The story of how "Owd Bob," as he came to be called, fought for the great cup with "Red Wull" - how he pursued the Black Terror that stole through the night, killing sheep ruthlessly, and proved himself to be the best and finest of all the Gray Dogs of Kenmuir - makes one of the most powerful tales in all the annals of dog stories.