Classic Audiobook Collection - My Doggie and I by Robert Ballantyne ~ Full Audiobook [family]

Episode Date: August 14, 2023

My Doggie and I by Robert Ballantyne audiobook. Genre: family In Victorian London, young medical student John Mellon prides himself on being practical, but his life is quietly transformed the moment he takes home a small, shaggy dog with a comically unglamorous look and an outsized spirit. John names him Dumps (also called Pompey), and the pair become inseparable as John makes his rounds in the struggling streets around Whitechapel, where illness, poverty, and loneliness press in on every doorstep. What begins as a light, affectionate portrait of a man and his dog soon widens into a chain of encounters: a fiercely independent street waif with a sharp tongue, an elderly woman who needs more than medicine, and a handful of ordinary people trying to do right in a hard city. Through mishaps, narrow escapes, and small acts of courage, Dumps proves to be more than a pet. He becomes the living thread that draws wounded lives together and tests what John believes about duty, kindness, and faith in action. Warm, humorous, and earnest, this classic tale celebrates companionship and the surprising ways compassion can travel on four muddy paws. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:19:19) Chapter 02 (00:38:38) Chapter 03 (00:57:31) Chapter 04 (01:15:04) Chapter 05 (01:36:04) Chapter 06 (01:52:55) Chapter 07 (02:11:21) Chapter 08 (02:28:59) Chapter 09 (02:49:00) Chapter 10 (03:09:28) Chapter 11 (03:28:57) Chapter 12 (03:46:28) Chapter 13 (04:05:41) Chapter 14 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My Doggy and I by Robert Valentine. Chapter 1. Explains itself. I possess a doggy. Not a dog, observe, but a doggy. If he had been a dog, I would not have presumed to intrude him on your notice. A dog is all very well in his way, one of the noblest of animals, I admit, and preeminently fitted to be the companion of man, for he has an affectionate nature which man demands and a forgiving disposition which man needs but a dog with all his noble qualities is not to be compared to a doggy my doggy is unquestionably the most charming and in every way delightful doggy that was ever born my sister has a baby about which she raves in somewhat

similar terms but of course that is ridiculous for her baby differs in no particular form from ordinary babies, except perhaps, in the matter of violent weeping, of which it is fond. Whereas my doggy is unique, a perfectly beautiful and singular specimen of, of, well, I won't say what, because my friends usually laugh at me when I say it, and I don't like to be laughed at. Freely admit that you don't at once perceive the finer qualities, either mental or physical, of my doggy, partly owing to the circumstance that he is shapeless and hairy. The former quality is not prepossessing, while the latter tends to veil the amiable expression of his countenance and the luster of his speaking eyes. But as you come to know him, he grows upon you. Your feelings are touched,

your affections stirred, and your love is finally evoked. As he resembles a doormat, or rather a scrap of very ragged doormat and has an amiable spirit, I have called him dumps. I should not be surprised if you did not perceive any connection here. You are not the first one who has failed to see it. I never saw it myself. When I first met dumps, he was scurrying towards me along a sequestered country lane. It was in the dog days. Dust lay thick on the road. The creature's legs were remarkably short, though active, and his hair, being long, he swept up the dust in clouds as he ran. He was yelping, and I observed that one or two stones appeared to be racing with, or after him. The voice of an angry man also seemed to chase

him, but the owner of the voice was at that moment concealed by a turn in the lane, which was bordered by high stone walls. Hydrophobia, of course, flashed into my mind. I grasped my stick and drew close to the wall. The hairy whirlwind, if I may so call it, came wildly on, but instead of passing me or snapping at my legs as I had expected, it stopped and crawled towards me in a piteous, supplicating manner that at once disarmed me.

If the creature had lain still, I should have been unable to distinguish its head from its tail, but as one end of him whined, and the other wagged, I had no difficulty. Stooping down with caution, I patted the end that whined, whereupon the end that wagged became violently demonstrative. Just then, the owner of the voice came round the corner. He was a big, rough fellow in ragged garments, and armed with a thick stick, which he seemed about to fling at the little dog when I checked him with a shout. You better not, my man, unless you want your own head broken. You see, I am a pretty well-sized man myself, and as I felt confidence in my strength, my stick, and the goodness of my cause, I was bold. What do you mean by ill-treating the little dog?

I demanded sternly as I stepped up to the man. A call may do as he likes with his own mate and he, answered the man with a sulky scowl. A cove may do nothing of the sort, I said indignantly, for cruelty to dumb animals always has the effect of inclining me to fight, though I am naturally of a peaceable disposition. There is an act of parliament, I continued, which goes by the honored name of Martin, and if you venture to infringe that act, I'll have you taken up and prosecuted. While I was speaking, I observed a peculiar leer on the man's face, which I could not account for. He appeared, however, to have been affected by my threats, for he ceased to scowl and assumed a differential air as he replied, Well, sir, it do seem rather odd that a cove should be blowed up for kindness.

Kindness, I exclaimed in surprise. Aye, kindness, sir. that their animal loves me, it do, like a brother, and the love is mutual. We've lived together now, off and on, for the matter of six months. Well, I get some employment in a factory about 15 miles from here, in which no dogs is allowed. In course, I can't throw up my situation, sir, can I? Neither can my doggy give up his master, what he's so fond of, so I'm obliged to leave him in charge of a friend with strict orders to keep him locked up till I'm fairly gone.

Well, off I goes, but he manages to escape and runs out of me. Now, what can a fella do but drive him on with sticks and stones, though it do go to my art to do it? But if he goes to the factory, he's sure to be shot, or scragged, or drowned, or some think. So you see, sir, it's out of pure kindness. I'm a pelting of him. Confessed that I felt somewhat doubtful of the truth of his story, but in order to prevent any expression of my face betraying me, I stooped and patted the dog while the man spoke. It received

my attentions with evident delight. A thought suddenly flashed on me. Will you sell your little dog? I asked. Vicer, he replied with some hesitation. I don't quite like to do that. He's such a pure a breed and and he's so fond of me. But have you not told me that you are obliged to part with him? I thought the man looked puzzled for a moment, but only for a moment. Turning to me with a bland smile, he said, ha, sir, ah, that's just where it is. I am obliged to part with him, but I ain't obliged to sell him. If I only part with him, my friend keeps him for me, and we may meet again, but if I sell him. He's gone forever, don't you see? How's ever, if you want, I'm weary bad. I'll do it on one

consideration. And that is, that you'll be good to him. I began to think I had misjudged the man. What's his name? I asked. Again, for one moment, there was that strange, puzzled look in the man's face, but it passed, and he turned with another of his bland smiles. His name, sir, ah, his name, he ain't got no name, sir. No name, I exclaimed in surprise. No, sir, I object to giving dogs names on principle. It's too much like treating them as if they was Christians. And you know, they couldn't be Christians if they wanted to ever so much.

besides whatever name you gives them there must be so many other dogs with the same name that you stand a chance or the wrong dog coming to you even you calls that's a strange reason how then do you call him to you why when i wants them i shout hi or hello or i whistles indeed said i somewhat amused by the humor of the fellow and what do you ask for him five a ten and he's dut cheap at that was the quick reply come come my man you know the dog's not worth that not worth it sir he replied with an injured look i tell you he's as cheap at that look at his breeding and then think of his affectionate nature is the affections to count for nothing admitted that the affections were worth money though it was generally understood that they could not be purchased, but still objected to the price,

until the man said in a confidential tone, Well, a cumsa, since you do express such a deal of love for him and promise to be good to him, I'll make a sacrifice and let you have them for three pun ten. Come. Gave in and walked off with my purchase leaping joyfully at my hills. The man chuckled a good deal after receiving the money, but I took no notice of that at the time, though I thought a good deal about it afterwards. Ah, little did I think, as Dumps and I walked home that day, of the depth of the attachment that was to spring up between us, the varied experiences of life we were destined to have together, and the important influence he was to exercise on my career. Forgot to mention that my name is Mellon, John Mellon.

Dumps knows my name as well as he knows his name. own. On reaching home, dumps displayed an evidence of good breeding, which convinced me that he could not have spent all of his puppyhood in company with the man from whom I had bought him. He wiped his feet on the doormat with great vigor before entering my house, and also refused to pass in until I led the way. Now, dumps, said I, seating myself on the sofa in my solitary room. I was a bachelor at the time, a medical student, just on the point of completing my course. Come here and let us have a talk. To my surprise, the doggie came promptly forward, sat down on his hind legs, and looked up into my face. I was touched by this display of ready

confidence. A confiding nature has always been to me powerfully attractive, whether in child, cat, or a dog. I brushed the shaggy hair from his face in order to see his eyes. They were moist and intensely black. So was the point of his nose. You seem to be an affectionate doggy dumps. A portion of hair, scarce worthy the name of tail, wagged as I spoke, and he attempted to lick my fingers, but I prevented this by patting his head. I have an unconquerable aversion to licking. Perhaps having received more than the average allowance, in another sense, at school, may account for my dislike to it, even from a dog. Now dumps, I continued.

You and I ought to be good friends. I've bought you for a pretty large sum, too, let me tell you, from a man who, I'm quite sure, treated you ill, and I intend to show you what good treatment is. But there are two things I mean to insist on, and it is well that we should understand each other at the outset of our United Korea. You must never block it, my friends.

Not even at my enemies. When they come to see me, and you must not beg at meals. Do you understand? The way in which that shaggy creature cocked his ears and turned his head from side to side slowly, and gazed with its lustrous eyes while I was speaking, went far to convince me that it really did understand what I said. Of course, it only wagged its rear tuft of hair in reply, and whimpered slightly. Refer to its rear tuft advisedly.

because at a short distance, my doggy, when in repose, resembled an elongated and shapeless mass. But, when roused by a call or otherwise, three tufts of hair instantly sprang up, two at one end and one at the other, indicating his ears and tell. It was only by these signs that I could ascertain at any time his exact position. I was about to continue my remarks to dumps when the door opened and my landlady appeared bearing the dinner tray. Oh, I beg potting, sir, she said, drawing back. I didn't hear your voice, sir, till the door was open, and I thought you was alone, but I can come back at... Come in, Mrs. Miff. There's nobody here but my little dog, one I've just bought, a rather shaggy terrier. What do you think of him? Do we buy it, sir? inquired Mrs. Miff in some anxiety, as she passed round the table

at a respectful distance from dumps. I think not. He seems an amiable creature, said I, patting his head. Do you ever buy it dumps? Well, sir, I never feel quite easy, rejoined Mrs. Smith in a doubtful tone as she laid my cloth,

with, as it were, one eye ever on the alert. You never know when these airy creatures gonna fly at you. If you could see their eyes, you might have a guess, what they was thinking of. And then it's so awkward, not knowing which end of the airy bundle is the biting end. You can't help being a little nervous. Having finished laying the cloth,

Mrs. Miff backed out of the room after the manner of attendance on royalty, overturning two chairs with her skirts as she went, and showing her full front to the enemy. But the enemy gave no sign, good or bad. All the tufts were down flat. and he stood motionless while Mrs. Miff retreated. Dumps, what do you think of Mrs. Miff? The doggy ran to me at once, and we engaged in a little further conversation until my landlady returned with the Veyens.

To my surprise, Dumps at once walked sedately to the hearth rug and lay down thereon, with his chin on his paws. At least I judged so from the attitude, for I could see neither chin nor paws. This act I regarded as another evidence of good breeding. He was not a beggar, and, therefore, could not have spent his childhood with the man from whom I had bought him. I wish you could speak, dumps, said I, laying down my knife and fork, went about half-finished, and looking towards the hearth-rug. One end of him rose a little, the other end wagged gently, but as I made no further remark, both ends subsided.

now dumps said I finishing my meal with a draft of water which is my favorite beverage you must not suppose that you've got a greedy master though i don't allow begging there sir is your corner where you shall always have the remnants of my dinner come the dog did not move until i said come then with a quick rush he made for the plate and very soon cleared it well you have been well trained, said I, regarding him with interest. Such conduct is neither the result of instinct nor accident, and, sure am I, the more I think of it, that the sulky fellow who sold you to me was not your tutor. But, as you can't speak, I shall never find out your history, so dumps, I'll dismiss the subject.

Saying this, I sat down to the newspaper, with which I invariably solaced myself for half an hour after dinner, before going out on my afternoon rounds. This was the manner in which my doggy and I began our acquaintance, and I have been thus particular in recounting the details because they bear in a special manner on some of the most important events of my life. Being, as already mentioned, a medical student, and having almost completed my course of study,

I had undertaken to visit in one of the poorest districts in London, in the neighborhood of Whitechapel, partly for the purpose of gaining experience in my profession, and partly for the sake of carrying the word of life, the knowledge of the Savior, into some of the many homes where moral, as well as physical disease, is rife. Leaning's and inclinations are inherited, not less than bodily peculiarities. My father had a particular tenderness for poor old women of the lowest class. So have I. when I see a bowed, aged, wrinkled, white-haired, feeble woman in rags and dirt, a gush of tender pity almost irresistibly inclines me to go and pat her head, sit down beside her, comfort her, and give her money. It matters not where her antecedents may have been. Worthy or unworthy, there she stands now with age, helplessness, and a hopeless temporal future, pleading more eloquently in her behalf than could the tongue of man or angel. True, the same plea is equally applicable to poor old men, but reader, I write

not at the present of principles so much as a feeling. My weakness is old women. Accordingly, on my professional visiting list, I had at that time a considerable number of these. One of them, who was uncommonly small, usually miserable and pathetically feeble, lay heavy on my spirit just then. She had a remarkably bad cold at the time, which betrayed itself chiefly in a frequent but feasible sneeze. As I rose to go out and looked at my doggy, who was, or seemed to be, asleep on the rug, a sudden thought occurred to me. That poor old creature, I muttered, is very lonely in her garret. A little dog might comfort her, perhaps, but, no, dumps, you are too lively for her, too bouncing. She would require something feeble and affectionate, like herself. Come, I'll think of that.

So, my doggy, you shall keep watch here till I return. End of Chapter 1. Chapter 2 of My Doggy and I. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, recorded by Allison Hester. My Doggy and I. By Robert Ballantyne. Chapter 2. introduces a young hero the day had become very sultry by the time i went out to visit my patients the sky was overcast with dark thunderous clouds and as there seemed every chance of a heavy shower i returned to my lodgings for an umbrella "'Oh, Mr. Mellon!' exclaimed my landlady as I entered the lobby. "'Was there ever a greater blessing? Oh!' "'Why, what's the matter, Mrs. Miff?' "'Oh, sir, that orrid little dog as you brought has gone mad.'

"'Is that the blessing you refer to, Mrs. Miff?' "'No, sir, but your coming back is, "'for the creature has been a rampaging round the room and yelling like a thing possessed by demons, I'm so glad you've come. Feeling sure that the little dog, unaccustomed, perhaps, to be left alone in a strange place,

was merely anxious to be free. I at once went to my room door and opened it. Dumps bounced out and danced joyfully round me. Mrs. Miff fled in deadly silence to her own bedroom, where she locked and bolted herself in. Dumps, said I with a laugh, I shall have to take you with me at the risk of losing you. Perhaps the memory of the feed I've given you and the hope of another may keep you by me. Come, we shall see.

My doggy behaved much better than I had anticipated. He did indeed stop at several butcher's shops during our walk and looked inquiringly in. He also evinced a desire to enter into conversation with one or two other sociable dogs, but the briefest chirp or whistle brought him at once obediently to my heel, just as if he had known and obeyed me all his life. When we reached the poorer parts of the city, I observed that the free and easy swagger and the jaunty hopping of each hind leg alternately gave place to a sedate walk and a weary turn of the head, which suggested keen, suspicious glances of the unseen eyes. Ah, thought I, evidently he has suffered some hardships and bad treatment in places like this. I stooped and patted his head. He drew closer to me,

as if seeking protection. Just then, a low grumbling of thunder was heard, and soon after the rain came down so heavily that, the umbrella forming an insufficient protection, dumps and I sought shelter in the mouth of an alley. The plump was short-lived, and the little knots of people who had sought shelter along with us melted quickly away. My Doggy's aspect was not improved by this shower. It had caused his hairy coat to cling to his form, producing a drowned rat aspect, which was not becoming, but a short run and some vigorous shakes soon restored his rotundity. In a few minutes thereafter, we reached. a narrow square or court at the end of a very dirty locality, in one corner of which was a low

public house. Through the half-open swing door could be seen the usual melancholy crowd of unhappy creatures who had either already come under the full influence and curse of strong drink or were far on the road to ruin. It was a sight with which I had become so familiar that, sad though it was, I scarce gave it a thought in passing. My mind was occupied with the poor old woman I was about to visit, and I would have taken no further notice of the grog shop in question if the door had not opened violently, and a dirty, ragged street boy, or waif, apparently about eight or nine years of age, rushed out with a wild cry that may be described as a compound cheer and yell. He came out in such a blind haste that he ran his ragged head with great violence against my side and almost overturned me. "'Hello, youngster!' I exclaimed sternly. "'Hello, oldster!' he replied, in a tone of the most insolent indignation.

"'Whatever do you mean by running against my head like that? "'Hain't you got no gentle boys in the West End to bud against, "'that you come all the way to Vite Chapel to bud against me? "'I've a good mind, too, and you over to the police. "'Come, you owes me a coppa for that.' the ineffable insolence of this waif took me quite by surprise he spoke with extreme volubility and assumed the commanding air of a man of six feet four though only a boy of four feet six i observed however that he kept at a sufficient distance to make sure of escaping in the event of me trying to seize him come said i with a smile i think you rather owe me a copper for giving me such a punch in the ribs "'Well, I don't mind looking at it in that lot,' he replied, returning my smile.

"'I will give you a coppa, only I ain't got change. You wouldn't mind coming into this grog shop while I get change, would you? Or if you'll lend me a sixpence, I'll go in and get it for you.' "'No,' said I, putting my fingers into my waistcoat pocket, but here is a sixpence for you, which you may keep, and never mind the change, if you'll walk along the streets with me a bit. The urchin held out his dirty hand, and I put the coin into it. He smiled, tossed the sixpence, caught it deftly, and transferred it to his right trouser's pocket. Well, you are a rumman, but I say, all square? No dodges, honor bright? No dodges, on or bright, I replied, come along.

At this point, my attention was attracted by a sudden change in the behaviorary. of dumps. He went cautiously towards the boy and snuffed at him for a moment. I say, is he vicious? He asked, backing a little. I think not, but I was checked in my speech by the little little dog uttering a whine of delight and suddenly dancing round the boy, wagging its tail violently, and indeed wriggling its whole shapeless body with joy, as some dogs are wont to do when they meet with an old friend unexpectedly. Why, he seems to know you, said I in surprise. Well, he do seem to have had the honor of my acquaintance somehow,

returned the boy, whose tone of banter quickly passed away. What do you call him? Dumps, said I. That won't do. Has he a vite spot on the bridge of his nose? Asked the boy earnestly. I really cannot tell. It is not long, here, Punch, come here, called the boy interrupting.

At the name of Punch, my doggy became so demonstrative in his affections that he all but leaped into the boy's arms, whined lovingly, and licked his dirty face all over. The very dog, said the boy, after looking at his nose, only growed so big that his own mother wouldn't know him. Why, where have you been all this long while, Punch? do you mean to say you know the dog and that his name is punch well you are green wouldn't any cove with half an eye see that the dog knows me and so in course i must know him and when i call him punch didn't he answer hey i was obliged to admit the truth of these remarks after the first ebullition of joy at the meeting was over we went along the street together then the dog is yours said i as we went along no he ain't mine he was mine once then he was a pup but i sold him to a young lady for a very small sum for how much i asked for five bob yes only five bob

I asked for a pound, but the young lady was so pleasant and pretty that I came down to ten bob. Then she said she was poor, and to tell you the plain truth, she'd look like it, and she wanted the pup so bad that I came down to five. And who was this young lady? Blowed if I nose, she went off with my punch, and I never sawed him anymore. Then you don't know what induced her to sell punch to a low fellow? But of course, you know nothing about that. said I, an amusing tone, as I thought of the strange manner in which this portion of my doggy's history

had come to light, but I was recalled from my reverie by the contemptuous tones of my little companion's voice, as he said, but I do know something about that. Oh, indeed, I thought you said you never saw the young lady again. No more I did, neither did I ever see punch again till today, but I know for certain that my young lady never sold no dog what some devour to know low feller as ever walked in shoe

leather or out of it. Ah, I see, I said slowly. You mean yes, out with it. That's just what I do mean, that the low feller prigged the pump from her. And I only wish I had a grip of his ugly nose, and I draw

it out from his uglier face I would. like the small end of a telescope, and then shut it up again flat, so flat that you'd never know he had no nose at all. My little sharp-witted companion then willingly gave me an account of all he knew about the early history of my doggy. The story was not long, but it began, so to speak, at the beginning. Punch, or dumps, as I continue to call him, had been born in a dry water butt, which stood in a backyard near times. This yard was, or had been, used for putting away lumber. It was a queer place, said my little companion, looking up in my face with a droll expression.

A sort of place that when once you had gone into it, you would sure wish you hadn't. Talk of the blues, sir. I do assure you that when I used to go into that yard of a night, it gave me the black and blues it did. There was a moldiness and a sopiness about it that beat the cat. combs all the sticks. It looked like a place that some rubbish had been flung into the days before Admini was born and had been forgotten teetotely from that time to this. Oh, it was awful. Used to make my marrow screw up in lumps when I used to go in there. But why did you go in there at all if you disliked it so much? I asked. Why? Because I ain't got no better place to go. I was used to

sleep there. I slept in the self-same water butt where Punch was born. That's how I come to scrape quaintance with him. I'd been away from home in the country for a week's sliding. A week's what? Sliding. Don't you know what sliding on the ice is? Oh yes. Are you very fun of that? I should think I was when my boots are good enough to stick on, but they ain't always that. and then I've got to slide under difficulties. Sometimes I'm out of boots and shoes altogether. In vich case, sliding's impossible. But I can look on and slide in spirit,

which is better than nothing. But as I was saying, when you had the bad manners to interrupt me, I'd been away from home for a week. Excuse my interrupting you again, but where is your home, may I ask? You may ask, but it had puzzled me to answer, for I ain't got no one, unless I may say that London is my own.

I come and go wherever I pleases, so long as I don't worry nobody. I sleep where I like, if the boppies don't get their eyes on me when I'm going to bed, and I heat whatever comes my way if it ain't too tough. In winter, I sleep in a lodge and house when I can, but as it costs three pence a night, I find it too expensive, and usually prefers a railway arch or a corner in Covent Garden Market under a Carter Barrow or inside of an empty sugar barrel anywhere so long as I'm let alone. But what with the rain, the wind, the cold, and the bobby's,

I may be said to sleep under difficulties. Though, as I was going to say when, Excuse me once more, what is your name? said I. Ain't got no name. No name. Come, you are joking. What is your father's name? Ain't got no father.

Never had, as I knows on. Nor a mother neither. Nor brother, nor sister, nor aunt, nor wife. Not even a mother-in-law. I'm a unit in creation. I is, as I once heard a school board, buffer say, when he was lugging me along the school, but he was too green that buffer was for a school boarder.

I gave him the slip at the corner of Whitling Street, and they've never been able to cut. me since but you must be known by some name said I what do your companions call you they call me bad names as a rule some of the least offensive among them are monkey face grew nose cheeks squeaker round eyes and slider I prefer as the last one myself and generally answers to it but as I was going to say I've been away for a week and when I come home to which part of home for London as a wide world, you know, I said. Now, sir, if you go for to interrupt me like that, I'll have to charge a

bob for this here, Valk. I couldn't stand it for a six pence. Come, slider, don't be greedy. Well, sir, if you get as many kicks as I do, and as few a pence, perhaps you'd be greedy, too. Perhaps I should, my boy, said I in a gentle tone. But come, I will give you an extra six pence if we get along well let's have the rest of your story i won't interrupt again it ain't my story it's punch's story returned the waif as he stooped to pat the gratified doggy well then i'd come home it was lateish and i was tired besides being hungry so i goes right off to my water butt intending to go to bed as usual but no sooner did i put my head in then out came a most awful growl the butt lay on its side and I backed out double quick, just in time for a most horrible-looking terrier dog rushed at me.

Being used to dogs, I wasn't took by surprise, but fetched it a clip with one of my feet and its ribs that sent it staggering to the paling of the yard. It found a hole, bolted through, scurried up the lane, yelling, and I never sawed it more. This was Punch's mother. On going into the butt afterwards, I found three dead pups and one alive, so I pitched the dead ones away and shoved the live one into the breast of my coat where he slept till morning. At first I had a mind to drown the pup, but it looked so comfortable and playful and was such a queer critter that I called him punch and became a father to him.

I got him bones and other bits of grub and kept him in the water butt for three weeks. Then he began to make a noise when I left him. So being sure the bobby's would rout him out at last, I took him and sold him to the first pleasant lady that seemed to fancy him. Well, Slyder, said I, as we turned down into the mean-looking alley where Mrs. Willis, my little old woman, dwelt. I am greatly interested in what you have told me about my little dog, and I am interested still more in what you have told me about yourself. Now, I want you to do me a favor. I wish you to go with me to visit an old woman, and after that, to walk home with me. part of the way at least the boy whose pinched hunger smitten face had an expression of almost supernatural intelligence on it bestowed on me a quick earnest glance no dodges honor bright you ain't a school board buffer he asked no dodges honor bright i replied with a smile well then heave ahead and i'll follow we passed quickly down to the lower

end of the alley, which seemed to lose itself in a wretched court that appeared as if it intended to slip into the river, an intention which, if carried out, would have vastly improved its sanitary condition. Here, in a somewhat dark corner of the court, I entered an open door, ascended a flight of stairs, and gained a second landing. At the farthest extremity of the passage, I stopped at the door and knocked. Several of the other doors of the passage opened, and various heads were thrust out while inquisitive eyes surveyed me and my companion. A short survey seemed to suffice, for the doors were soon shut, one after another with a bang, but the door at which I knocked did not open. Lifting the latch, I entered and observed that Mrs. Willis was seated by the window,

looking wistfully out, being rather deaf, she had not heard my knock. Come in, I whispered to slider. Sit down on the stool near the door. and keep quiet until I speak to you. So saying, I advanced to the window. The view was not interesting. It consisted of the side of a house, about three feet distance, down which ran a water spout or a drain pipe,

which slightly relieved the dead look of the bricks. From one pane of the window, it was possible by squeezing your cheek against it to obtain a prospective view of chimney pots. By a stretch of the neck upwards, you could see more chimney pots. By a stretch of imagination, you could see cats quarreling around them, or anything else you pleased. Sitting down on a rickety chair beside the little old woman, I touched her gently on the shoulder.

She had come to know my touch by that time, I think, for she looked round with a bright little smile. And of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of My Doggy and I by Robert Ballantine. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. recorded by Allison Hester of Athens, Georgia Chapter 3 Treats of an Old Heroin It was pleasant yet sad to observe the smile

with which old Mrs. Willis greeted me Pleasant because it proved that she was rejoiced to see me Sad because it was not quite in keeping with the careworn old face whose set wrinkles it deranged. I knew you would come. You never would come. ever missed the day, she said, both words and tone showing that she had fallen from a much

higher position in the social scale. It cost me little to visit you once a week, dear Mrs. Willis, I replied, and it gives me great pleasure. Besides, I'm bound by the laws of society, which grants your annuity to call personally and pay it. I only wish it were a larger sum. large enough more than I deserve, said the old woman in a low tone, as she gazed somewhat vacantly at the dead wall opposite, and let her eyes slowly descend the spout. The view was not calculated to distract or dissipate the mind. The bricks were so much alike that the eye naturally sought and reposed on or followed the salient feature. Having descended the spout as far as the window seal permitted, the eyes of Mrs. Willis

slowly reascended as far as possible, and then turned with a meek expression to my face. More than I deserve, she repeated, and almost as much as I require. It is very kind of the society to give it, and of you to bring it. May God bless you both, ha, doctor, I'm often puzzled by, Hey, what's that? The sudden question, anxiously asked, was accompanied by a few, evil attempt to gather her poor garments close round her feet as dumps sniffed at her skirts and agitated his ridiculous tail. It's only my dog, Granny. I had of late adopted this term of endearment. A very quiet, well-behaved

creature, I assure you, that seems too amiable to bite. While he appears to have a tendency to claim acquaintance with everybody, I do believe he knows you. No, no, no, he doesn't put him out pray put him out said the old woman in alarm grieved that I had unintentionally roused her fear I opened the door and called dumps my doggy rose with his three indicators erect and expectant go out sir and lie down the indicators slowly drooped and dumps crawled past in abject humility shutting the door I returned I you don't dislike little boys as well as little dogs, Granny, because I have brought one to wait for me here. You won't mind his sitting at the door until I go?"

No, no, said Mrs. Willis quickly. I like little boys when they're good," she added after a pause. Say I'm one of the good sorts, sir," suggested Slider and a hoarse whisper. Of course it ain't true, but what of that if it relieves her mind? Taking no notice of this remark, I again sat down beside my old woman. What were you going to say about being puzzled, Granny? Puzzled, doctor. Did I say I was puzzled? Yes, but pray don't call me doctor. I'm not quite fledged yet, you know. Call me melon or John. Well, you were saying,

Oh, I remember I was only going to say that I've been puzzled a good deal of late by that text in which David says, I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Now, my father and mother were both good Christians, and although I cannot claim to be a good one myself, I do claim to be a poor follower of Jesus. Yet, here am I. She paused. Well, Granny, said I, are you forsaken?

Nay, John, God forbid I should say so. But am I not a beggar? Oh, pride, pride, you are hard to kill. Are you a beggar? I asked in a tone of surprise. When did you last beg, Granny? Is not a recipient of charity a beggar? No, I replied stoutly. He is not.

A solicitor of charity is a beggar, but a recipient thereof is not. In your case, it was I who was the beggar. Do you not remember when I found you first without a crust in the house? How I had to beg and entreat you to allow me to put your name on this charity and how you persistently refused until at last I did it without your consent. And how, eventually, you gave in only when I charged you with pride. You are not forsaken, Granny, and you are not a beggar. Brave, oh, doctor, you have her there.

came in a soft whisper from the door. For a moment I felt tempted to turn the boy out, as I had turned out the dog. But seeing that my old woman had not overheard the remark, I took no notice of it. You have put the matter in a new light, John, said Mrs. Willis slowly, as her eyes once more sought the spout. You often put things in new lights, and there does seem to be some truth in what you say. It did hurt my pride at first, but I'm getting used to it now. Besides, continued the old lady with a deep sigh, that trouble and everything else has swallowed up in the great sorrow of my life.

Ah, you refer to your granddaughter, I suppose, said I in a tone of profound sympathy. You've never told me about her, dear granny. If it's not too painful a subject to speak of, I should like to hear about her. When did she die? Dye! exclaimed Mrs. Willis with a burst of energy that surprised me. She did not die. She left me many, many months ago.

It seems like years now. My Edy went out one afternoon to walk like a beautiful sunbeam, as she always was. And she never came back. Never came back, I echoed in surprise. No. never. I was not able to walk then, any more than now, else I would have ranged London all round day and night for my darling. As it was, a kind city missionary made inquiries at all the police offices and everywhere else he could think of, but no clue could be gained as to what had become of her. At last, he got wearied out and gave up. No wonder he had never seen Eadie and could not love her as I did. Once he thought he had discovered her, the body of a poor girl had been found in the river,

which he thought answered to her description. I thought so, too, when he told me what she was like. And at once concluded she had tumbled in by accident and been drowned. For, you see, my Edy was good and pure and true. She could not have committed suicide unless her mind had become deranged, and there was nothing that I knew of to bring that about. They got me with much trouble into a little. a cab and drove me to the place. Ah, the poor thing. She was fair and sweet to look upon with her

curling brown hair and smile still on the potted lips, as if she had welcomed death. But she was not, my Edy. For months and months after that, I waited and waited, feeling sure she would come. Then I was forced to leave my lodging. The landlord wanted in himself. I begged that he would let me remain, but he would not. He was a hard, hearted, dissipated man. I took another lodge, but it was a long way off, and left my name and new address at the old one. My heart sank after that, and I've no hope now, no hope. My darling must have met with an accident in this terrible city. She must have been killed, and will never come back to me. The poor creature uttered a low wail and put a handkerchief to her eyes.

But bless the Lord, she added in a more cheerful tone, I will go to her soon. For some minutes I knew not what to say in reply by way of comforting my poor old friend. The case seemed indeed so hopeless. I could only press her hand, but my nature is naturally buoyant and ready to hope against hope even when distress assails myself. Do not say there is no hope, granny, said I at last, making an effort to be cheerful. You know that with God, all things are possible. It may be that this missionary did not go the right way to work in his search, however good his intentions might have been. I confess, I cannot

imagine how it's possible that any girl should disappear in this way unless she had deliberately gone off with someone. No, John, my Edie would not have left me thus of her own free will, said the old woman with a look of assurance which showed that her mind was immovably fixed

as to that point. Well then, I continued, loving you as you say she did and being incapable of leaving you deliberately, and without a word of explanation, it follows that that I stopped,

for at this point I had no plausible reason for the girl's disappearance suggested itself it follows that she must have been killed said the old woman in a low broken tone no granny I will not admit that come cheer up I will do my best to make inquiries about her and as I have had considerable experience and making investigations among the poor of London perhaps I may fall on some clue She would be sure to have made inquiries. Would she not, at your old lodging, if she had felt disposed to return? Felt disposed, repeated Mrs. Willis with a strange laugh. If she could return, you mean? Well, if she could, said I. No doubt she would, but soon after I left my old lodging, the landlord fled the country, and other people came to the house who were troubled by my sin.

so often to inquire. Then my money was all expended, and I had to quit my second lodging and came here, which is far, far from the old lodging. And now I have no one to send. Have you any friends in London? I asked. No, we had come from York to try to find teaching for my darling, for we could get none in our native town, and we had not been long enough in London to make new friends when she went away. My dear Anne and Willie, her mother and father, died last year, and now we have no near relations in the world. Shall I read to you, Granny, said I, feeling that no words of mine could do much to comfort one in so sad a case. She readily assented. I was in the habit of reading and praying with her during these visits. I turned without any

definite intention of doing so, to the words. Come on to me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. I cannot tell why, but I paused here instead of reading on, or commenting on the words. The old woman looked earnestly at me. These words, she said, have been in my mind all yesterday and the day before. I have been greatly comforted by them because he is faithful who has promised. Pray over them, John. Don't read any more. I knelt by the poor woman's chair. She could not kneel with me in body, though she did in spirit, I doubt not. I had quite forgotten Slyder, but on Rising observed that he had followed my example and gone down on his knees. Were you praying with us, Slider? I asked after we left

Mrs. Willis and were walking up the alley followed by dumps. Don't, sir, I've never heard nor seen nothing of this sort before. In course, I've heard the missionaries sometimes I hollering about the streets, but I never worked myself about them. I say, doctor, that's a rome go about that gal Eadie, ain't it? I took quite a fancy to that gal now, though I ain't seen her. Do you think she's been drowned? I scarce know what to think.

Her disappearance so suddenly does seem very strange. fear. I fear much that. However, it's of no use guessing. I shall at once set about making inquiries. Ha, so shall I, said the little waif, with a look of determination on his small face that amused me greatly. For she's a good gal, is Eddie, if she ain't drowned in. Why boy, how can you know whether the girl is good or bad? How can I know? he echoed with a glance of almost superhuman wisdom. And course I know, by the powers of observation. That old gal Mrs. Willis is a good old thing, as good as gold. Well, a good mother is always cock sure to have a good daughter,

especially when she only a darter. So the mother of Edy being good, Eadie herself must be good, don't you see? Anything as belonged to Mrs. Willis can't help being good. I'm glad you took me to see her, doctor, for I've made up my mind to take that. old oomen up as the bobby say when they wexed their avin'n nothin to do except strut about the streets like turkey-cocks i'll take her up and do for her i will on questioning him further i found out that this ragged and homeless little waif had indeed been touched by mrs willis's sad story and drawn towards her by her soft gentle nature so different from what he had hitherto met with in his wanderings and that he was resolved to offer her his gratuitous services as a message boy and gentle servant without requiring either food or lodging in return.

But Mrs. Willis may object to such a dirty, ragged fella coming around her, I said. Ain't there no pumps in London, stupid? said Slater with a look of pity. No soap? True, I replied with a laugh, but you'd require needles and thread and cloth in addition to make yourself respectable. No, think of the sort. I can beg or borer or steal coats and pants, you know. Ah, Slyder, said I in a kind but serious tone. Doubtless you can, but begging or borrowing are not likely to succeed,

and stealing is wrong. Do you think so? Returned the boy with a look of innocent surprise. Don't you think now that in a good cause, a cuff might take what isn't his in and risk being sent to prison? I replied emphatically that I did not think so, that wrong could never be made right by any means, and that the commencement of a course of even disinterested kindness on such principles would be sure to end ill. Well, then, I'll reconsider my decision, as the

Magistrates ought to say, but never do. That's right, and now we must part, slider, I said, here is the second sixpence I promised you. Also my card and address. Will you come and see me at my house the day after tomorrow at eight in the morning? I will, replied the boy with decision. But I say, all fair and above board, no school board nor nothing of that sort, hey? Honor bright? Honor bright, I replied, holding out my hand, which he grasped and shook quite heartily.

We had both taken two or three steps in opposite directions when, as if under the same impulse, we look back at each other, and in doing so became aware of the fact that dumps stood between us on the pavement in a state of extreme indecision or mental confusion. Hello, I say, we've been and forgot punch, exclaimed the boy. Dumps, said I, come along. Punch, said he. Come here, good dog. My doggy looked first at one, then at the other. The two indicators in the front rose and fell, while the one behind wagged and drooped in a state of obvious uncertainty.

Won't you sell them back? said Slider returning. I'll work it out in messages or anything else. But what of the Bobby's? I asked. Ah, true. I forgot the Bobby's. I'd only be able to keep them for a week, perhaps. not so long afore they'd nab him. Go punch, go. You don't know then your veil off. The tone in which this was uttered settled the point and turned the wavering balance of the creature's affections in my favor. With all the indicators extremely pendulous and its hairy coat hanging in a

species of limp humility, my doggy followed me home. But I observed that, as we went along, he ever in an on turned a wistful glance in the direction in which the ragged waif had disappeared. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4 of My Doggy and I by Robert Ballantyne. This liverbox recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Allison Hester, Chapter 4. In which Dumps Finds Another Old Friend One morning, a considerable time after the events,

narrated in the last chapter, I sat on the sofa waiting for breakfast and engaged in an interesting conversation with Dumps. The only difference in our mode of communication was that Dumps talked with his eyes, I with my tongue. From what I have already said about my doggy, it will be understood that his eyes, which were brown and speaking eyes, lay behind such a forest of hair, that it was only by clearing the dense masses away that I could obtain a few view of his liquid orbs. I am not not sure that his ears were much less expressive than his eyes. Their variety of motion, coupled with their rate of action, served greatly to develop the full meaning of what his eyes said. Mrs. Miff seems to have forgotten us this morning dumps, I remarked pulling out my watch.

One ear cocked forward, the other turned back towards the door, and a white gleam under the hair, indicating that the eyes turned in the same direction, said as plainly as there was any occasion for, no not quite forgotten us i hear her coming now ha so she is now you shall have a feed both ears elevated to the full extent which obviously meant hurray while a certain motion of his body appeared to imply that in consequence of his sedentary position he was vainly attempting to wag the sofa if you please sir said my landlady laying the breakfast tray on the table there's a shoe black in the kitchen says he wants to see you ah young slider i fancy well send em up he says he's had his breakfast and will wait till you have done sir very considerate send em up nevertheless in a few minutes my protege stood before me hat in hand looking in the trim of costume of the brigade quite a different being from the ragged creature I had met with in Whitechapel. Dumps instantly assaulted him with loving demonstrations. How spruce you look, my boy.

Thanks to you, sir, replied Slider with a familiar nod. They do say I'm looking up. I hope you like the work. Have you had breakfast? Would a roll do you any good? Thank you. I'm prime for the day. I came over, sir, to say that granny seems to be out of sorts.

Since I've been allowed to sleep on the rug inside her door, I've noticed she ain't so lively as she used to was. She was a deal when it ain't cold, groans now and then, and whimper's a good deal. It strikes me now, though I ain't a regular sawbones, that there's something wrong with her innards. I'll finish breakfast quickly and go over with you to see her, said I. Don't need to hurry, sir, returned Slider. She ain't weary bad, not much worse than the ordinary. only I've been too anxious about her. Poor old thing. I'll vape below till you're ready. Come along, punch, and join your old pal in the kitchen till the new one's ready.

After breakfast, we three hurried out and winded our way eastward. As the morning was unusually fine, I diverged towards one of the more fashionable localities to delivering note with which I had been charged. Young Slyder's spirits were high, and for a considerable time, he entertained me with a good deal of the east. and gossip. Among other things, he told me of the great work that was being done there by Dr. Barnardo, and of others of similar spirit in rescuing waifs like himself from their wretched condition. Though some on us don't think it's so wretched art or all, he continued, there's the slogger now, and he won't go into the om on no consideration. Says he wouldn't give an empty sugar barrel for all the oms in London, but then the slogger's a lazy

He don't want to work. That's about it. He'd sooner starve than work. By consequence, he steals, more or less, and finds a home in the stone jug pretty frequent. As to his taste for a sugar barrel, I ain't so sure that I don't agree with him. It's big, you know, plenty of room to move, which it ain't so with a flour barrel, and then the smell, oh, you've no notion. Why, that's worth the price of a night's lodging itself to say. nothing of the chance of a knot hole or a crack full of sugar that the former tenants has failed to discover. While the waif was commenting thus enthusiastically on the bliss of lodging in a sugar barrel, we were surprised to see dumps, who chanced to be trotting on in front, come to a sudden

pause and gaze at a lady who was in the act of ringing the doorbell of an adjoining house. The door was opened by a footman, and the lady was in the act of entering when dumps, gave vent to a series of sounds, made up of a wine, a bark, and a yelp. At the same moment, his tail all but twirled him off his legs as he rushed wildly up the stairs and began to dance round the lady in mad excitement. The lady backed against the door and alarm. The footman, anxious, apparently about his calves, seized an umbrella and made a wild assault on the dog. And I was confusedly conscious of Slyer exclaiming, if that ain't my young lady as I sprang up the steps to the rescue.

Down, dumps you rascal, down! I exclaimed, seizing him by the brass collar with which I had invested him. Pardon the rudeness of my dog, madame, I said looking up, I never saw him acting this way before. It's quite unaccountable. Not quite so unaccountable as you think, interrupted Slider, who stood looking calmly on with his hands of. in his pocket and a grin on his face. Hit your own dog, miss. What do you mean, boy? said the lady, a gaze of surprise,

chasing away the look of alarm, which had covered her pretty face. I mean exactly what I says, miss. That dog's your own. I sold it to you long ago for five Bob. The girl, for she was little more than 16, turned with a startled, doubting look to the dog. If you don't believe it, miss,

look at the vied spot on the bridge of his nose, said Slider, with a self-satisfied nod to the lady and a supremely insolent wink to the footman. Pompey! exclaimed the girl, holding out a pair of the prettiest little gloved hands imaginable. My doggy broke from my grasp with a shriek of joy and sprang into her arms. She buried her face in his shaggy neck and absolutely hugged him. I stood aghast. The footman smiled in an imbecile man. her. You'd better not squeeze quite so hard, miss, or he'll bust, remarked the waif. Recovering herself and dropping the dog somewhat hurriedly, she turned to me with a flushed face and said,

Excuse me, sir, this is unexpected meeting with my dog. Your dog, I involuntarily exclaimed, while a sense of unmerited loss began to creep over me. Well, the dog was mine once, at all events. I doubt not it is rightfully yours now, said the young lady with a smile that at once disarmed me. It was stolen for me a few months after I bought it from this boy, who seemed strangely altered since then. I'm glad, however, to see that the short time I had the dog was sufficient to prevent its forgetting me, but perhaps, she added in a sad tone, it would have been better if it had forgotten me. My mind was made up. No, madame.

said I with decision. It is well that the dog is not forgotten you. I would have been surprised indeed if it had. It is yours. I could not think of robbing you of it. I am going to visit a sick woman and cannot delay. Forgive me if I ask permission to leave the dog with you until I return in the afternoon

to hand it formally over and bid it farewell. This was said half in jest, yet I felt very much in earnest, for the thought of part of part of, for my doggy, even to such a fair mistress, cost me no small amount of pain, much to my surprise, for I had not imagined it possible that I could have formed so strong an attachment to a dumb animal in so short a time. But you see, being a bachelor of an unsocial spirit, my doggy and I had been thrown much together in the evenings, and had made the most of our time. The young lady half- laughed

and hesitatingly thanked me as she went into the house, followed by dumps, alias, punch, alias Pompeii, who never so much has cast one parting glance on me as I turned to leave. A shout caused me to turn again and look back. I beheld an infant rolling down the drawing room stairs like a small alpine boulder. A little girl was vainly attempting to arrest the infant, and three boys of various sizes came bounding toward, the young lady with shouts of welcome. In the midst of the den, my doggy uttered a cry of pain. The babble of children's voices was hushed by a bass growl and the street door closed with a bang.

Well, that is a rum go, exclaimed my little companion as we walked slowly away. Don't it seem to you now, as if it were all a dream? It does indeed, I replied, half inclined to laugh, yet. with a feeling of sadness at my heart, for I knew that my doggy and I were parted forever. Even if the young lady should insist on my keeping the dog, I felt I could not agree to do so. No, I had committed myself, and the thing was done, for it was clear that, with the mutual affection existing between the lady and the dog, they would not willingly consent to be parted. It would be cruelty to even suggest a separation.

Shaw, thought I, why should the loss of a miserable dog, a mere mass of shapeless hair, affect me so much? Pooh, I will brush the subject away. So I brushed it away, but back it came again, in spite of all my brushing, and insisted on remaining to trouble me. Short, though our friendship had been, it had, I found, become very warm and strong. I recalled a good many pleasant evening, when, seated alone in my room with a favorite author, I had read and tickled dumps under the chin and behind the ears to such an extent that I had thoroughly gained his heart, and as love begets love, I had been drawn insensibly, yet powerfully towards him. In short, dumps and I understood each other. While I was meditating on these things, my companion, who had walked along in silence, suddenly said,

You needn't take on so, sir, about punch. How'd you know I'm taking on so? Cause you look so awful, solemn collie, and there's no occasion to do so. You can get the critter back again. I fear not, Slaughter, for I've already given it to the young lady, and you see how fond she is of it,

and the dog evidently likes her better than it likes me. Yeah, I ain't surprised that that, It only proves it to be a dog of good taste, but you can get it back for all that. How so? I asked, much amused by the decision and self-sufficiency of the boy's manner. Why, you've only got to go and marry the young lady when, of course, all her property becomes yours, punch included, don't you see? True, Slyder. It had not occurred to me in that light, said I, laughing heartily, as much at the cool and quiet. insolence of the waif's manner as at his suggestion but then you see there are difficulties in the way young ladies who dwell in fine mansions are not fond of marrying penniless doctors pooh replied the

urchin that has nothing to do with it you only got a set up in an owls close long side with a big gold mortar over the door and a one-a-a-a-a-broom and you'll have her in six months or eight if she's got contrary parents. Then you'll want a tiger, of course, to old the aoss, and I knows a smart young feller whose name begins with an S, as would just suit. So, you see, you've nothing to do but go in and win. The precocious waif looked up in my face with such an expression of satisfaction as he finished this audacious speech that I could not help gazing at him in blank amazement. What I should have replied, I know not, for we arrived just a little. then at the abode of old Mrs. Willis. The poor old lady was suffering from a severe attack of

influenza, which, coupled with age and the depression caused by her heavy sorrow, had reduced her physical powers in an alarming degree. It was obvious that she urgently required good food and careful nursing. I never before felt so keenly my lack of money. My means barely suffice to keep myself, educational expenses being heavy. I was a shy man too and had never made friends, at least among the rich, to whom I could apply on occasions like this. Dear Granny, I said, you would get along nicely if you would consent to go to a hospital. Never, said the old lady in a tone of decision that surprised me. I assure you, Granny, that you would be much better cared for, and,

fed there than you can be here, and it would not be necessary to give up your room. I would look after it until you were better. Still, the old lady shook her head, which was shaking badly enough from age as it was. Going to the corner cupboard, in which Mrs. Willis kept her little store of food, I stood there pondering what I should do. Please, sir, said Slider, sideling up to me, if you want mutton chops or steaks or port wine or anything of that sort just say the word and i'll get em you boy how why ain't the shops full of em i'd go and help myself spite of all the bobby's that valks in blue oh slider said i really grieved for i saw by his earnest face that he meant it would you go and steal after all i have said you about that sin Well, sir, I wouldn't prig for myself. Indeed I wouldn't, but I'd do it to make the old woman better. That would not change stealing into a virtue. No, my boy, we must try to hit on some other way of providing for her wants. The Lord will provide, said Mrs. Willis from the bed. She had overheard us. I hastened to her side.

Yes, Granny, he will provide. Meanwhile, he has given me enough. money to spare a little for your immediate wants. I will send some things which your kind neighbor Mrs. Jones will cook for you. I'll give her directions as I pass her door. Slider will go home with me and fetch you the medications you require. Now try to sleep till Mrs. Jones comes with the food. You must not speak to me. It will make you worse. I only want to ask John, have you any news about? No, not yet, Granny. But don't be cast down. If you can trust God for food, surely you can trust him for protection, not only to yourself, but to Eady. Remember the words, commit thy way unto the Lord,

and he will bring it to pass. Thank you, John, replied the old woman as she sank back on her pillow with a little sigh. After leaving Mrs. Willis, I was detained so long with some of my patience that it was late before I could turn my steps westward. The night was very cold, with a keen December wind blowing and heavy black clouds driving across the dark sky. It was after midnight as I drew near the neighborhood of the house in which I had left dump so hurriedly that morning. In my haste, I had neglected to ask the name of the young lady with whom I had left him or to note the number of the house, but I recollected its position

and resolved to go round by it for the purpose of ascertaining the name on the door. End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5 of My Doggy and I By Robert Ballanty This Libervox recording is in the public domain Recorded by Allison Hester Chapter 5 Conspiracy Villany

Innocence and Tragedy In one of the dirtiest of the dirty and Desreputable Dins of London A man and a boy sat on that same dark December night engaged in earnest conversation. Their seats were stools, their table was an empty flower barrel, their apartment a cellar. A farthing candle stood awry in the neck of a pint bottle, a broken-lipped jug of gin and water, hot, and two cracked teacups stood between them. The damp of the place was drawn out,

rather than abated by a small fire, which burned in a rusty grate over which they sought to warm their hands as they conversed. The man was palpably a scounder. The man was palpably a scound, not less so was the boy slaga said the man in a growling voice we must do it this very night well but i'm game replied the slager draining his cup with a defiant air if it ain't been for that old ooman as was caretaker all last summer continued the man as he pricked a refractory tobacco pipe we'd have found the job more difficult but you see see she went and lost a key at a back door, and the doctor he had to get another. So I goes and gets round the old woman and pumps her about the lost key, and at last I finds it, do you see? But, returned the slogger with a knowing frown,

seems to me as how you'd never get two keys into one lock, eh? The new one wouldn't let the old and in, would it? Ah, that's where it is, replied Mr. Brassy, a leer as he raised his cup to his large ugly mouth and chuckled. You see, the doctor's wife, she is somewhat timersome and looks ordered to locking up every night herself, very particular. Then she has all the keys up in her own bedroom of nights. So you see, in consequence of her uncommon care, she keeps all the locks clear for you and

me to work upon. The slager was so overcome by this instant of the result of excessive caution that he laughed heartily for some minutes and had to apply for relief to the hot gin and water. However, did you come for to find that out? asked the boy. Servants, replied the man. Ha! exclaimed the boy with a wink, which would have been knowing if the spirits had not by that time rendered it ridiculous. Yes, you see, continued the elder ruffian, blowing. a heavy cloud of smoke like a cannon shot from his lips. Servants is variable in character.

Some is good and some is bad. I mostly take up with a badduns. There's one in the doctor's house says it's a prime favorite with me and knows all about the locks she does, but there's a new one, unexpected difficulty, sprang up in the way in this very morning. What's that? demanded the slogger with an air of a man prepared to defy all difficulties.

They've been and got a dog, a little dog too, the very worst kind for kicking up a row. However, it ain't the first time you and I have met and conquered such a difficulty. You'll take a bit of cats meat in your pocket, you know. All right, exclaimed the young housebreaker with a reckless toss of his shaggy head, as he laid his hand on the jug. but the elder scoundrel laid his stronger hand upon it. Come, Slaga, no more that. You've had too much already.

You won't be fit for duty if you take more. It's very ard on a cove, growled the lad sulkily. Brassy looked narrowly into his face, then took up the forbidden jug, and himself drained it, after which he rose, grasped the boy by his collar, and forced him, struggling, towards a sinkful of dirt, dirty water into which he thrust his head and shook it about roughly for a second or two. There, that'll sober you, said the man, releasing the boy and sending him into the middle of the

room with a kick. Now, don't let your monkey rise, Slaga. It's all for your good. I'll be back in half an hour. See that you have the tools ready. So saying, the man left the cellar and the boy, who was much exasperated, though decidedly sobered by your treatment proceeded to dry himself with a jack towel and make preparations for the intended burglary the house in regard to which such interesting preparations were being made was buried at the hour i write of in profound repose as its fate and its family have something to do with my tail i shall describe it somewhat particularly in the basement there was an offshoot or scullery which communicated with the kitchen this scullery had been said

set apart that day as the bedroom of my little dog. Of course, I knew nothing of this, and what I am about to relate at that time. I learned it all afterwards. Dumps lay sound asleep on a flannel bed, made by loving hands in the bottom of a soapbox. It lay under the shadow of a beer cask, the servant's beer, a fresh cask, which, having arrived late that evening, had not been relegated to the cellar. The only other individual who slept on the basement was the, the footmen. That worthy, being elderly and feeble, though bold as a lion, had been doomed to the

lower regions by his mistress as a sure protection against burglars. He went to bed nightly with a poker and a pistol, so disposed that he could clutch them both while in the act of springing from the bed. This arrangement was made not to relieve his own fears, but by order of his mistress, with whom he could hold communication at night without rising by means of a speaking to. John, he chanced to bear my own name, had been so long subject to night alarms, partly from cats careering in the backyard and his mistress demanding to know through the tube if he had heard them, partly also from frequent ringing of the night bell by persons who urgently wanted Dr. Matugel that he had become callous in his nervous system and did much

of his night work as a semi-sumnambulist. The rooms on the first four, floor above consisting of the dining room, library, and consulting room, etc., were left, as usual, tenetless and dark at night. On the drawing-room floor, Mrs. Matugel lay in her comfortable bed, sound asleep, and dreamless. The poor lady had spent the first part of that night in considerable fear because of the restlessness of dumps in his new and strange bedroom, her husband being absent because of a sudden call to a country patient. The speaking to had been pretty well worked, and John had been lively in consequence, though patient, but at last the drowsy god had calmed the good lady into a state of oblivion.

On the floor above, besides various bedrooms, there were the night nursery and the schoolroom, and one of the bedrooms slumbered the young lady who had robbed me of my doggy. In the nursery were four cribs and a cradle. Dr. McDougal's family had come in, what I may style, annual progression. Six years he had been married and each year had contributed another annual to the army. The children were now ranged round the walls with mathematical precision. One, two, three, four, and five. The doctor liked them all to be together and the nursery, being unusually large, permitted of this arrangement. A tall, powerful, sunny-tempered woman of uncertain age,

officered the army by day and guarded it by night. Jack and Harry and Job and Jenny occupied the cribs, Dolly, the cradle. Each of these creatures had been transfixed by sleep in the very midst of some desperate enterprise during the earlier watches of that night, and all had fallen down in more or less degase and reckless attitudes. Here a fat fist doubled. There a fatter leg protruded. elsewhere a spread eagle was represented with the bedclothes and a heap on its stomach or a complex knot was displayed made up of legs sheets blankets and arms subsequently the tall but faithful guardian had gone round disentangled the knot reduced the spread eagle and straighten them all out they now lay stiff and motionless as mummies rosy it as the mourn deceptively innocent with eyes tight shut and massed mouths wide open, save in the case of Dolly, whose natural appetite could only be appeased by the nightly sucking of two of her own fingers. In the attics, three domestics slumbered in peace. Still higher, a belated cat reposed in the lee of a chimney-stack.

It was a restful scene which none but a heartless monster could have ventured to disturb. Even Brassy and the slager had no intention of disturbing it. On the contrary, it was a restful scene. It was a their earnest hope that they might accomplish their designs on the doctor's plate with as little disturbance as possible. Their motto was a paraphrase. Get the plate, quietly if you can, but get the plate. In the midst of the universal stillness, when no sound was heard save the sighing of the night wind or the solemn creaking of an unsuccessful smoke cure, there came a voice of alarm, down the tube. John, do you hear burglars? oh dear no mom i don't i'm convinced i hear them at the back of the house tubed mrs mctugel indeed it ain't mum toubed john in reply it's only that little dog has come to this morning and ain't got used to its new ome yet

it's a whining mum that's what it is oh do get up john and put a light beside him perhaps he's afraid of the dark very well mom said John, obedient but savage. He arose, upset the poker and pistol with a hideous clatter, which was luckily too remote to smite horror into the heart of Mrs. McTugel, and groped his way into the servants' hall. Lighting a paraffin lamp, he went into the scullery, using very unfair and harsh language towards my innocent dog. Pompeii, you brute, the footman had already learned his name. Hold your noise. There! He set the lamp on the head of the beer cask and returned to bed. It is believed that the poor perplexed dumps viewed the midnight apparition with silent surprise and wagged his tail being friendly, then gazed at the lamp

after the apparition had retired, until obliged to give the subject up, like a difficult conundrum, and finally went to sleep, perchance to dream of dogs or me. It was while dumps was thus engaged that Brassy and the Slager walked up to the front of the house and surveyed it in silence for a few minutes. They also took particular observations of both ends of the street. All serene, said Brassy. Now you go round to the back and use your key quietly. Give him the bit of meat quick. He won't give tongue artery smells it,

and one or two barks won't alarm the house. So get along, Slaga. When you've got him snug with a rope round his neck and his head and the fling, lannel bag, just catterwall and I'll come around. Bless the cats, they're a great help to gentlemen in our procession. Thus admonished, the slogger chuckled and melted into the darkness, while Brassy mingled himself with the shadow of a pillar. The key, lost by the caretaker and found by the burglar, fitted into the empty lock even more perfectly than that which Mrs. McTugel had conveyed to her mantelpiece some hours before. It was well-oiled too, and went round in the wards of the

lock without giving a chirp so that the bolt flew back with one solitary shot. The report, however, was loud. It caused dumps to return from Dogland and raise his head with a decided growl. Nobody heard the growl except the slogger, who stood perfectly still for nearly a minute with his hand on the door handle. Then he opened the door slowly and, and softly, so slowly and softly that an alarm bell attached to it did not ring. A sharp bow, wow, wow, however, greeted him as he entered, but he was prompt. A small piece of meat fell directly under the nose of dumps as he stood bristling in front of his box, and, let me add, when dumps bristled, it was a sight to behold.

Good dog, good dog, said the slager in his softest and his softest and and most insinuating tone, dumps reduced his bark to a growl. The footmen heard both bark and growl, but attributing them to the influence of cats, turned on his other side and listened, not for burglars, innocent man, but for the tube. It was silent.

Evidently, tired nature was, in Mrs. McTugel's case, lulled by the sweet restorer. Forthwith, John betook himself again to the land of Nod. "'Have another bit,' said the slager in quite a friendly way, after the first bit had been devoured. "'My two trusting favorite wagged his tail and innocently accepted the bribe. "'It was good cats' meat. Dumps liked it. "'The enormous supper with which he had lain down was, by that time, nearly assimilated,

"'and appetite had begun to revive. "'Going down on his knee, the young burglar held out a third morsel of temptation in his hand. Dumps meekly advanced and took the meat. It was a sad illustration of the ease with which even a dog descends from bad to worse. While he was engaged with it, the slogger gently patted his head. Suddenly, Dumps found his muzzle grasped and held tight in a powerful hand. He tried to bark and yell, but could produce nothing better than a scarcely audible wine. His sides were at the same instant grasped by a pair of powerful knees,

while a rope was twisted round his neck, and the process of strangulation began. But strangulation was not the slogger's intention. He had been carefully warned not to kill. Mind you now, don't you screw him up too tight, Brassy had said when given the boy his instructions before starting, Dogs is birthed money. Just old them tight and quiet till you get the flannel bag on his head. Then, stand by till I've sacked the swag. accordingly having affected the bagging of the dog's head the young burglar went to the door holding dumps tight in his arms and uttered a pretty loud and lifelike cater-wall brassy heard it emerged from the shade of his pillar and was soon beside his comrade

when dumps smelt and heard the newcomer he redoubled his efforts to free his head and yell but the slogger was too much for him few words were wasted on this occasion the couple understood their work Brassy took up the lamp. Very considerate of him to have a light all ready for us. He muttered as he lowered the flame a little and glided into the kitchen, leaving the slager on guard in the scullery. Here he found a variety of jens and snares, carefully placed for him, and such as he, by strict orders of Mrs. McTugel.

Besides a swing bell on the window shutter, similar to that which had done so little service on the scullery door, there was a coal scuttle with the kitchen tongs balanced against it, and a tin slot pail in company with the kitchen shovel, and a watering pan, which, the poker being already engaged to John, was balanced on its own rows and handle, all ready to fail with a touch. These outworks, being echelong along the floor, rendered it impossible for an intruder to cross the kitchen in the dark, without overturning one or more of them. thanks to the lamp Brassy steered his way carefully with a grim smile.

At John Waters' door, he paused and listened. John's nose revealed his condition. Gliding up the stairs on shoeless feet, the burglar entered the dining room, picked the locks of the sideboard with marvelous celerity, unfolded a canvas bag, and placed therein whatever valuables he could lay hands on. Proceeding next to the drawing room floor, he began to examine and appropriate the articles of virtue that appeared to him most valuable. Not being a perfect judge of such matters, Mr. Brassy was naturally puzzled with some of them.

One in particular caused him to regard it with frowning attention for nearly a minute before he came to the conclusion that it was worth money. He placed the lamp on the small table near the window, from which he had lifted the ornament in question, and sat down on a crimson chair with gilded legs to examine it more critically. Meanwhile, the slogger, left in the dark with the still, fitfully struggling dumps, employed his leisure in running over some of the salient events of his past career, and, in trying to ascertain by the very faint light that came from a distant street lamp, what was the nature of his immediate surroundings? His nose told him that the cask at his elbow was beer.

His exploring right hand told him that the trap was in it. His native intelligence suggested a tumbler on the head of the cask and the exploring hand proved the idea to be correct. Brassy was very hard on me tonight, he thought, I'd like to have a swig. But Dumps was sadly in the way. To remove his left hand, even for an instant from the dog's muzzle, was not to be thought of. In this dilemma, he resolved to tie up

the said muzzle and the legs also, even at the risk of causing death. It would not take more than a minute to draw a tumbler full, and any dog worth a straw could hold his wind for a minute. He would try. He did try, and was yet in the act of drawing the beer when my doggy burst his bonds by a frantic effort to be free. Probably the hairy nature of his little body had rendered a firm bond impossible. At all events, he suddenly found his leg. loose another effort more frantic than before set free the muzzle and then there arose on the still night air a yell so shrill so loud so indescribably horrible that its conception must be left entirely to the reader's imagination at the same

instant dumps scurried into the kitchen the scuttle and tongs went down the slot pail and shovel followed suit also the watering pan into which ladder dumps went head foremost as it fell, and from its interior another yell issued with such resonant power that the first yell was a mere chirp by contrast. The slogger fled from the scene like an evil spirit, while John Waters sprang up and grasped the pistol and poker. The effect on Brassy in the drawing room cannot be conceived, much less described. He shot, as it were, out of the crimson gilded chair, and overturned the lamp, which burst on the floor. Being half full of paraffin oil, it instantly set fire to the Gauls window curtains.

The burglar made straight for the stairs. John Waters, observing the light, dashed up the same, and the two met face-to-face on the landing, breathing hate and glaring defiance. End of Chapter 5. Chapter 6 of My Doggy and I by Robert Valentine. This Libervox recording is in the public domain, recorded by Allison Hester. Chapter 6 Relates a Stirring Innocent Now it was at this critical moment that I chanced to come upon the scene. I had just ascertained from the brass plate on the door that Dr. McTugall dwelt there and was thinking what an ugly, unromantic name that was for a pretty girl as I descended

the steps when Dumps's first yell broke upon my astonished ears. I recognized the voice at once, though I must confess that the second yell from the interior of the watering pan perplexed me not a little, but the hideous clatter with which it was associated and a sudden bursting out of flames in the drawing room drove all thoughts of dumps instantly away. My first impulse was to rush to the nearest fire station, but a wild shouting in the lobby of the house arrested me. I rang the bell violently. At the same moment I heard the report. I heard the report. report of a pistol and a savage curse as a bullet came crashing through the door and went pretty close past my head. Then I heard a blow, followed by a groan. This was succeeded by female shrieks overhead and a violent undoing of the bolts, locks, and chains on the front door. Thought is quick. Burglary flashed into my mind. A villainous-looking fellow leaped out as the door

flew open. I recognized him instantly as the man who had sold dumps to me. I put my foot in front of him. He went over it with a wild pitch and descended the steps on his nose. I was about to leap on him when a policeman came tearing around the corner, just in time to receive the stunned brassy with open arms as he rose

and staggered forward. Just so, don't give way too much to your feelings. I'll take care of you, my poor, unfortunate fellow, said the policeman as a brother in blue came to his assistance. Already, one of those ubiquitous creatures,

A street boy had flown to the fire station on the wings of hope and joy, and an engine came careening around the corner as I turned to rush up the stairs, which were already filled with smoke. I dashed in the first door I came to. A lady, partially clothed, stood there pale as death and motionless. Quit, madame, descend, the house is on fire. I gasped in sharp sentences as I seized her. Where is your...

You're... She looked young. Sister, I cried as she resisted my efforts to lead her out. I've no sister, she shrieked. Your daughter then, quick, direct me. Oh, my darling, she cried, wringing her hands. Where? I shouted in desperation, for the smoke was thickening. Upstairs, she screamed and rushed out, intending evidently to go up.

I caught around the waist and forced her down the sand. stairs, thrust her into the arms of an ascending fireman, and then ran up again, taking three steps at a time. The cry of a child attracted me. I made for a door opposite and bursted open. The scene that presented itself was striking. Out of four cribs and a cradle, arose five cones of bedclothes, with a pretty little curly head surmounting each cone and ten eyes blazing with amazement. A tall nurse stood erect in the middle of the floor with outstretched arms, glaring. Instantly, I grasped a cone in each arm and bore it from the room. Blinded with smoke, I ran like a thunderbolt into the arms of a gigantic fireman. Take it easy, sir. You'll do far more work

if you keep cool. Straight on to the front room. Fire escape's there by this time. I understood and darted into a front room through the window of which the head of the fire escape entered at the same moment, sending glass and splinters all over us. It was a little bit of a little bit. It was a little bit of the front room. It was immediately drawn back a little, enabling me to throw up the window sash and thrust the two children into the arms of another fireman whose head suddenly emerged from the smoke that rose from the windows below. I could see that the fire was roaring out onto the street and lighting up hundreds of faces below, while the steady clank of engines told that the brigade was busily at work fighting the flames. But I had no time to look or think. Indeed, I felt as if I had no power of

volition properly my own, but that I acted under the strong impulse of another spirit within me. Darding back towards the nursery, I met the first fireman dragging with his right hand the tall nurse, who seemed unreasonably to struggle against him, while in his left arm he carried two of the children and the baby by its nightdress in his teeth. I saw at a glance that he had emptied the nursery and turned to search for another door. During the whole of this scene, which passed in a few minutes, minutes, a feeling of desperate anxiety possessed me as to the fate of the young lady to whom I had given up my doggy. I felt persuaded she slept on the same floor with the children and groped about the passage in search of another door. By this time, the smoke was so dense that I was all but suffocated. A minute or two more and it would be too late.

I could not see. Suddenly, I felt a door and kicked it open. The black smoke entered with me, but it was still clear enough inside for me to the form of a girl lying on the floor. It was she. Miss Matugel! I shouted, endeavoring to rouse her, but she had fainted. Not a moment now to lose. A lurid tongue of flame came up the staircase. I rolled a blanket round the girl, head and all. She was very light. In the excitement of the moment, I raised her as if she had been a child and darted back towards the passage. But the few moments I had lost almost cost us our lives. I knew that to breathe the dense smoke would be certain suffocation and went through it holding my breath like a diver. I felt as if the hot flames were playing round my head and smelt the singeing of my own hair. Another moment and I had reached the window

where the grim but welcome head of the escape still rested. With a desperate bound, I went head first into the chute, taking my precious bundle along with me. A fireman chanced to be going down the chute at the time, carefully piloting one of the maids who had been rescued from the attics, and checking his speed with outspread legs. Against him I cannoned with tremendous force, and sent him in his charge in a heap to the bottom. This was fortunate, for the pace at which I must have otherwise come down would have probably broken my neck. As it was, I felt so stunned, that I nearly lost all consciousness. Still, I retained my senses sufficiently to observe a stout, elderly little man in full evening dress, with his coat slid up behind to his neck, his face half-blackened,

and his shaggy hair flying wildly in all directions, chiefly upwards. Amid wild cheering from the crowd, I confusedly heard the conversation that followed. They're all accounted for now, sir, said a policeman who supported me. The elderly gentleman had leaped forward with an exclamation of earnest thankfulness and unrolled the blanket. Not hurt, no, thank God. Lift her carefully now. To the same house. And who are you?

He added, turning and looking full at me as I leaned in a dazed condition on the fireman's shoulder. I heard the question and saw the speaker, but could not reply. This is the gentleman as saved two of the children and the young lady, said the tall fireman. whom I recognized as the one into whose bosom I had plunged on the upper level. Aye, and he's the gentleman, said another fireman, who shoved your missus, sir, into my arms when she was bent on running upstairs. Isn't this so? said the little gentleman, stepping forward and grasping my hand. Still, I could not speak. I felt as if the whole affair worried dream and looked on and listened

with a vacant smile. at that moment. A long, melancholy wail rose above the roaring of the fire and clanking of the engines. The cry restored me at once. "'Dumps, my doggie!' I exclaimed, and bursting through the crowd, rushed towards the now furiously burning house, but strong hands restrained me. "'What dog is it?' asked the elderly gentleman. A man drenched, blackened, and bloodstained, whom I had not before observed. here said.

A new dog, sir, dumps by name. Come to us this very day. We put him in the scullery for the night. Again, I made a desperate effort to return to the burning house but was restrained as before. All right, sir, whispered a fireman in a confidential tone.

I know the scullery. The fire ain't got down there yet. Your dog can only have been damaged by water as yet. I'll save him, sir. Never fear. He went off with him. a quiet little nod that did much to comfort me. Meanwhile, the elderly gentleman sought to induce me to leave the place and obtain refreshment in the house of a friendly neighbor who had taken in his family.

You need rest, my dear sir, he said, come, I must take you in hand. You have rendered me a service which I can never repay. What? Obstinate. Do you know that I am a doctor, sir, and must be obeyed? I smiled but refused to move until the fate of dumps was ascertained. Presently, the fireman returned with my doggy in his arms. Poor dumps! He was a pitiable sight. Tons of hot water had been pouring on his devoted head, and his shaggy, shapeless coat was so plastered to his long little body that he looked more like a drowned weasel than a terrier.

He was trembling violently and whined piteously as they gave him to him. to me. Nevertheless, he attempted to wag his tail and lick my hands. In both attempts he failed. His tail was too wet to wag, but it wriggled. He'd have saved himself, sir, said the man who brought him, only there was a rope round his neck, which had caught on a coal scuttle and held him. He's not hurt, sir, though he do seem as if someone had been trying to choke him. My poor doggy, said I, fondling him. He won't want washing for some time to come, observed one of the bystanders. There was a laugh at this.

Come now. The dog is safe. You have no reason for refusing to go with me, said the elderly gentleman, who I now understood was the master of the burning house. As we walked away, he asked my name and profession, and I thought he smiled with peculiar satisfaction when I said I was a student of medicine. Oh, indeed, he said. Well, we shall see. But here we are. This is the house of my good friend Dobson, cityman, capital fellow, like all citymen. He has put his house at my disposal at this very trying period of my existence. But are you sure, Dr. McDougal, that all the household is saved? I asked,

becoming more thoroughly awake to the tremendous reality of the scene through which I had just passed. sure, my good fellow, do you think I'd be talking thus quietly to you if I were not sure? Yes, thanks to you and the fireman, under God, there's not a hair of their heads injured. Are you... I beg pardon. Are you quite sure?

Have you seen Miss McTugel since she? Miss McDougal, exclaimed the doctor with a laugh. Do you mean my little Jenny by that dignified title? Well, of course, I didn't. not know her name, and she is not very large, but I brought her down the chute with such violence that an explosion of laughter from the doctor stopped me as I entered a large library, the powerful lights of which at first dazzled me. Here, Dobson, let me introduce you to the man who has saved my whole family and who has mistaken Miss Blythe for my Jenny. Why, sir,

he continued turning to me. The bundle you brought down so unceremoniously is only my governess. Ah, I'd give twenty thousand pounds down on the spot if she were only my daughter. My Jenny will be a lucky woman if she grows up to be like her. I congratulate you, Mr. Mellon, said the city man, shaking me warmly by the hand. You have acted with admirable promptitude, which is most important out of fire, and they tell me that the header you took into the escape, with Miss Blythe in your arm. was the finest acrobatic feat that has been seen off the stage. I say, Dobson, where have you stowed my wife and the children?

I want to introduce him to them. In the dining room, returned the city man. You see, I thought it would be more agreeable that they should all be together until their nerves are calmed. So I had mattresses, blankets, etc., brought down. Being a bachelor, as you know, I could do nothing more than place the wardrobes of my domestics at disposal of the ladies. The things are not, indeed, a very good fit, but this way, Mr. Mellon. The city man, who was tall and handsome, ushered his guests into what he styled his hospital, and there, ranged in a row along the wall, were five shakedowns, with a child on each.

Seldom have I beheld a finer sight than the sparkling luster of their ten still glaring eyes. Two pleasant young domestics were engaged in feeding the small, smaller ones with jam and pudding. We arranged the words advisedly because the jam was, out of all proportion, too much for the pudding. The elder children were feeding themselves with the same materials and in the same relative proportions. Mrs. McTugel and a blue cotton gown with white spots, which belonged to the housemaid, reclined on a sofa. She was deadly pale, and the expression of horror was not quite removed from her countenance. Beside her, administering restoratives, sat Miss Blythe in a chintz dress belonging to the cook,

which was ridiculously too large for her. She was disheveled and flushed, and looked so pleasantly anxious about Mrs. McTugel that I almost forgave her having robbed me of my doggy. Miss Blythe, your deliverer, cried the little doctor, who seemed to delight in blowing my trumpet with the loudest possible blasts. My dear, your preserver! I bowed and said, some confusion and stammered something incoherently. Mrs. McTugel said something else, languidly, and Miss Blyth rose and held out her hand with a pleasant smile. Well, if this isn't one of the very jolliest larks I ever had, exclaimed Master Harry from his corner, between two enormous spoonfuls. Ha! exclaimed Master Jack, he could say no more.

He was too busy. We all laughed, and much to my relief, general attention was turned to the little ones. You, young scamps, the lark will cost me some thousands of pounds, said the doctor. Never mind, Papa. Just go to the bank and they'll give you as much as you want. More pudding, demanded Master Job.

The pleasant-faced domestic hesitated. Oh, give it to him. Act the banker on this occasion and give him as much as he wants, said the doctor. Good, Papa, exclaimed. the overjoyed Jenny, how I wish we had a house on fire every night. Even Dolly crowed with delight at this, as if she really appreciated the idea and continued her own supper with increased fervor. Thus did that remarkable family spend the small hours of that morning while their home

was being burned to ashes. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of My Doggy and I by Robert Valentine This Liverbox recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Allison Hester. Chapter 7, My Circumstances began to brighten. Robin, said old Mrs. Willis from her bed in the weasiest of voices. Who's Robin, Granny? demanded the young slider, in some surprise, looking over his shoulder as he stooped at the fire to stir a pan of gruel.

You're Robin, returned the old lady, following up the remark with a feeble sneeze. I can't stand, Slyder. It's such an ugly name. Besides, you ought to have a Christian name, child. Don't you like Robin? The boy chuckled a little as he stirred the gruel. Well, I ain't had it long enough to have made up my mind on the point,

but you may call me what you please, Granny, so long as you don't swear. I'll answer to Robin or Bobbin or Dobbin or Dobbin or Knobbin or Floggin. No, by the way, I won't answer to floggin. I don't like that, but why call me Robin? Ah, sighed the old woman, because I once had a dear little son so named. He died when he was about your rage, and your kindly ways are so like his that... Hello, Granny! Interrupted Slider, standing up with a look of intense surprise.

Are you took bad? No, why? Because you said something about my ways that looked suspicious. Did I, Robin? I didn't mean to. But as I was saying, I'd like to call you Robin because it reminds me of my little darling who is now in heaven. Oh, Robin was so gentle and loving and tender and true and kind.

He was a good boy. A wheezing which culminated in another feeble sense. sneeze here silenced the poor thing for some minutes after that slider devoted himself to vigorous stirring of the gruel and to repressed laughter which latter made him very red in the face and caused his shoulders to heave convulsively at last he sought relief and occasional mutterings only think he said quoting mrs willis's words in a scarcely audible whisper So gentle and loving and tender and true and kind, and such a good boy, too. And my kindly ways is like his, Arde. Well, well, Mrs. W., it is quite clear that a lunatic asylum must be your native home after this. What are you muttering about, Robin? Nothing particular, Granny.

Only something about your future prospects. The gruel's ready, I think. Will you have it now or wait till you get it? There, even your little touches of humor, you're so like him, said the old woman with a mingled smile and sneeze as she slowly rose to a sitting posture, making a cone of the bedclothes with her knees on which she laid her thin hands. Come now, old woman, said Slider seriously. If you go on joking like that, you'll make me laugh and spill your gruel. Perhaps let it fall bash on the floor. There, don't let it tumble off your knees now. I'd advise you to lower them for the time being.

Here's the spoon. It ain't as bright as I wish, but you can't expect much of pewter. And the napkin. That's your sort. And a bit of bread, which isn't too much for a healthy appetite. Now then, Granny, go in and win. So like, murmured the young. old woman as she gazed in Sliders' face. And it is so good of you to give up your play and come to look

after a helpless old creature like me. Yes, it is very good of me, assented the boy with an air of profound gravity. I was used to sleep under a damp archway or in a wet cask. Now I slumbers in a house by a fire under a blanket. Once on a time, I got vittles, anyhow. Sometimes didn't get them at all. Now I have them regular, as well as good and aught. And what poets call, the days gone by. And nights too. Let me tell you, I was kicked and cuffed by everybody,

and uned to death by Bobby's. Now, I'm let alone. Avonlea condition. Let alone. Sometimes even complimented with such pleasant greetings as, Go it, Ginger, or does your mother know you're out? Oh, yes, Granny, I made great sacrifices I did when I come here to look arter you. Mrs. Willis smiled, sneezed, and began her gruel.

Slyder, who looked at her with deep interest, was called away by a knock at the door. Opening it, he beheld a tall footman with a parcel in his hand. Does Mrs. Willis live here? he asked. No, replied Slider. A Mrs. Willis doesn't live here. but thee mrs willis the only one worth speaking of does ah replied the man with a smile for he was an amiable footman and i suppose you are young slider i am mr sliders sir and i would ave you remember said the urchin with dignity that every englishman's house is his castle and that neither inference nor flunkies as a right to enter indeed exclaimed the man with affected surprise then i'm afraid this castle can't be a strong one or it ain't well guarded for inference got into it somehow when you entered

good good returned the boy with the air of a connoisseur that's worthy of the east end you should have been one of us now then old six foot what's your business to deliver this parcel and it over then But I'm also to see Mrs. Willis and ask how she is. Walk in, then, and wipe your feet. We ain't got a doormat today. It's a coming, like Christmas. But you may use the boards in the meantime. The footman turned out to be a pleasant, gossipy man, and soon won the hearts of old Mrs. Willis and her young guardian.

He had been sent, he said, by a Dr. McDougal, with a parcel containing wine, tea, sugar, rice, and a few other articles of food, and with a message that the doctor would call and see Mrs. Willis that afternoon. Dear me, that's very kind, said the old woman. But I wonder why he sent such things to me, and who told him I was in one of them? It was a young gentleman who rescued most of the doctor's family from a fire last night. His name, I believe, is Mellon. What?

Dr. John Mellon? exclaimed Slider with widening eyes. Whether he's John or doctor, I cannot tell. All I know is he's Mr. Mellon, and he's been rather knocked up by, Oh, but bless me, I forgot. I was to say nothing about the fire till Dr. McDougall had seen you.

How stupid of me, but things will slip out. He stopped abruptly and placed his brown paper parcel on the bed. Now I say, look here, Mr. Sick. or whatever is your name, said Slider with an intense eagerness. It's of no use. You're tying up the mouth of the bag now. The cat's got out and can't be got in again by no manner of means. Just make a clean breast of it and tell it all out like a man. There's a good feller.

If you don't, I'll tell Dr. McDougal that you gave me and the old lady a full, true and particular account of the whole affair from the fuss busting out of the flames. and the colon of the engines to the last crash of the fallen roof and they're roasting alive of the owse-old cat i will as sure as you're a six-foot flunky thus adjured and threatened the gossipy footman made a clean breast of it he told them that i had acted like a hero at the fire and then after giving in minute detail an account of all that the reader already knows he went on to say that the whole family except dr mctugel was laid up with cold, that the governess was in a high fever, that the maid servants, having been rescued on the shoulders of firemen from the addicts, were completely broken down in their nerves, and that I had received an injury to my right leg, which, although I had said nothing about it on the night of the fire, had become so much worse in the morning that I could

scarcely walk across the room. In these circumstances, he added, Dr. McTugel had agreed to visit my poor people for me until I should recover. you see continued the footman i only heard a little of their conversation dr mctugall was saying when i come into the room well mr mellon he said you must of necessity remain where you are and you could not let me tell you be in better quarters i will look after your patience till you are able to go about again which won't be long i hope and i'll make a particular note of your old woman and send her some wine and things immediately i suppose he meant you ma'am added the footman but having to leave the room again owing to some of the children howling for jam and pudding i heard no more having thus delivered himself of his tail and parcel the tall footman took his leave with many expressions of good-will now granny remarked young slider as he untied the parcel and spread its contents on the small deal table i've got a vague suspicion that the ouse which has gone to ashes is the very ouse in which dr mellon put his little dog last night cause why ain't it the same identical street and the same side of the street and what about the same part of the street and didn't both him and me forget to ask the name of the people of the ouse or to look at the number, so took up as we with parton from punch.

What more natural than for him to go round on his way back to look at the house, supposing he was too late to call. Then, didn't that six-footer say a terrier dog was rescued from the lower premises? To be sure, there's many a terrier dog in London. But then didn't he likewise say that the governess of the family is a pretty gal? What more likely than that she's my young lady? all that you see granny is what magistrates would call presumptuous evidence but i'll go and inquire for myself this very evening when you're all settled and comfortable and when i got mrs jones to look arter you that evening accordingly when robin slyder as i shall now call him was away making his inquiries dr mctugall called on mrs willis she was very weak and low at the time

the memory of her lost edie had been heavy upon her and she felt strangely disinclined to talk the kindly doctor did not disturb her more than was sufficient to fully investigate her case when about to depart he took mrs jones into the passage Now my good woman, he said, I hope you will see the instructions you heard me give to Mrs. Willis carried out. She is very low, but with good food and careful nursing may do well. Can you give her much of your time? Law, sir, yes. I'm a lone woman, sir, with nothing to do but take care of myself, and I'm that fond of Mrs. Willis. She's like my own mother. Very good. And what of this boy who has come to live with her? Do you think he is steady to be depended on?

Indeed, I do, sir, replied Mrs. Jones with much earnestness. Though he did come from nowhere's particular, and don't belong to nobody, he's a good boy, his little slider, and a better nurse than you'll find in all hospitals. I wish I had found him at home. Will you give him this card and tell him to call on me tomorrow morning between eight and nine? Let him ask particularly for me, Dr. McDougall. I'm not in my own house, but in a friend's at present. I was burnt out of my house last night. Oh, sir, exclaimed Mrs. Jones with a shocked expression. Yes, accidents will happen, you know,

to the most careful among us, Mrs. Jones, said the little doctor with a smile as he drew on his gloves. Good evening. Take care of your patient now. I am much interested in her case, because of the young doctor who visits her sometimes. "'Dr. Mellon?' exclaimed the woman. "'Yes. You know him?' "'Know him. I should think I do. He has great consideration for the poor. "'Ah, he is a gentleman, is Mr. Mellon.' "'He's more than a gentleman, Mrs. Jones,' said the little doctor with a kindly nod, as he turned and hurried away.

"'It may perhaps seem to savour of vanity and egotism, my recording this conversation, but I do it chiefly for the purpose of showing how much of hearty gratitude there is for mere trifles among the poor. For the woman, who was thus complimentary to me, never received a farthing of money from my hands, and I am not aware of ever having taken notice of her, except now and then wishing her a respectful good evening and making a few inquiries as to her health. That night, Dr. McDougal came to me, on returning from his rounds, to report upon my district, i was in bed at the time and suffering from considerable pain from my bruised and swollen limb dumps was lying at my feet dried refreshed and none the worst for his adventures i may mention that i occupied a comfortable room in the house of the city man who insisted on my staying with him until i should be quite able to walk to my lodgings as dr mctugel had taken my district a brief note to mrs miff my landlady relieved my mind of all anxiety

professional and domestic, so that my doggy and I could enjoy ourselves as well as the swollen leg would permit. My dear young friend, said the little doctor as he entered, Your patients are all going on admirably, and as I mean to send my assistant to them regularly, you may make your mind quite easy. I've seen your old woman, too, and she is charming. I don't wonder you lost your heart to her. Your young protege, however, was absent, the scamp.

that he had provided a good nurse to take his place in the person of Mrs. Jones. I know her. Well, said I, she is a capital nurse. Little Slyder has, I am told, been here in your absence. But unfortunately, the maid who opened the door to him would not let him see me, as I happened to be asleep at the time. However, he'll be sure to call again, but you have not yet told me how Miss Blythe is. Well, I've not had time to tell you. you, replied the doctor with a smile. I'm sorry to say she is rather feverish. The excitement and exposure

to the night air were a severe trial to her, for although she is naturally strong, it is not long since she recovered from a severe illness. Nothing, however, surprises me so much as the way in which my dear wife has come through at all. It seems to have given her quite a turn in the right direction, why she used to be as timid as a mouse. Now she scoffs at burglars. After what occurred last night, she says she will fear nothing under the sun. Isn't it odd? As for the children, I'm afraid the event has roused all that is wild and savage in their natures. They were kicking up a horrible shindy when I passed the dining room, the hospital, as Dobson calls it. So I opened the door and peeped in. There they were all standing up on their beds.

shouting, fire, fire, police, police, engines, escapes, come quick. Silence, I shouted. Oh, Papa, they screamed in delight. What do you think we've had for supper? Well, what? Pudding and jam, nearly all jam. Then they burst again into a course of yells for engines and fire escapes, while little dolly's voice rang high above the rest,

pudding and damn, all damn. Please, please, fire and thieves, as I shut the door. But now, a word in your ear before I leave you for the night. Perhaps it may not surprise you to be told that I have an extensive practice. After getting into a new house, which I must do immediately, I shall want an assistant, who may, in course of time, perhaps, become a partner. Do you understand? Are you open to a proposal? My dear sir, said I,

your kindness is very great but you know that i am not yet yes yes i know all about that i merely wish to inject an idea into your brain and leave it there to fructify now go to sleep my dear young fellow and let me wish you agreeable dreams with a warm squeeze of the hand and a pleasant nod my new friend said good-night and left me to my meditations end of chapter seven Chapter 8 of My Doggy and I by Robert Ballantyne. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Alison Hester. Chapter 8. Little Slider resists temptation successfully, and I become enslaved. Pompeii, said I one afternoon while reclining on the sofa in Dobson's drawing room, my leg being not yet sufficiently restored to admit of my going out.

Pompey, I've got to have. news for you. To my surprise, my doggy would not answer to that name at all when I used it, though he did so when it was used by Miss Blythe. Dumps, said I, in a somewhat injured tone, ears and tail at once replied. Come now, punch, I said rather sternly. I'll call you what I please, punch, dumps, or Pompeii, because you are my dog still, at least as long as your mistress and I have. I'll call you. I'll live under the same roof. So sir, if you take the dumps when I call you Pompeii, I'll punch your head for you. Evidently, the dog thought this was a very flat jest, for he paid no attention to it

whatsoever. Now, dumps, come here and let's be friends. Who do you think is coming to stay with us? To stay all together? You'll never guess. Your old friend and first master, little slider, no less. think of that dumps wagged his tail vigorously whether at the news or because of pleasure at my brushing the hair off his soft brown eyes and looking into them i cannot tell yes i continued it's quite true this fire will apparently be the making of little slider as well as for you and me for we are all going to live and work together isn't that nice evidently dr mctugel is a trump and so is his friend dobson who puts this fine mansion at his disposal until another home can be got ready for us i was interrupted at this point by an uproarious burst of laughter from the doctor himself who had entered by the open door unobserved by me i joined in the laugh against myself but blushed nevertheless for a man does not like as it rule to be caught talking earnestly either to him himself or to a dumb creature. Why melon, he said, sitting down beside me and patting my dog. I imagined from your tones, as I entered, that you were having some serious conversation with my wife. No, Mrs. McTugel has not yet returned from her drive. I was merely having a chat with

dumps. I had of late in my lodgings. Got into a way of thinking aloud, as it were, while talking to my dog. I suppose it was with an unconscious desire to break the silence of my room. no doubt no doubt replied the doctor with a touch of sympathy in his tone you must have been rather lonely in that attic of yours and yet do you know i sometimes sigh for the quiet of such an attic Perhaps when you've been some months under the same roof with these miniature thunderstorms, Jack, Harry, Job, Jenny, and Dolly, you'll long to go back to the attic. A tremendous thump on the floor overhead, followed by a wild uproar, sent the doctor upstairs, three steps out of stride. I sat prudently still till he returned, which he did in a few minutes, laughing.

What do you think that was? He cried, panting, only my dolly tumbling off the chest of drawers. My babes have many pleasant little games, among others, cutting off the heads of dreadful traitors is a great favorite. They roll up a sheet into a ball for the head. Then each of them is led and turned to the scaffold,

which is the top of a chest of drawers. One holds the ball against the criminal shoulders, another cuts it off with a wooden knife, a basket receives it below, then one of them takes it out, and, holding it aloft, shout, behold the head of a traitor. It seems that four criminals have been safely decapitated,

and Dolly was being led to the fatal block when she slipped her foot and fell to the ground, overturning Harry and a chair in her descent. That was all. Not hurt, I hope? Oh, no, they never get hurt. Seriously hurt, I mean. As to black and blue shins, scratches, cuts, and bumps,

they may be said to exist in a perpetually maimed condition. "'Strange,' said I musingly, "'that they should like to play at such a disagreeable subject.' "'Disagreable!' exclaimed my friend. "'Poo! That's nothing! "'You should see them playing at the horrors of the Inquisition. "'My poor wife sometimes shudders at the idea "'that we have been gifted with five monsters of cruelty,

"'but anyone can see with half an eye "'that it is a fine sense of the propriety "'of retributive justice that influences them. them. Anyone who chooses to go and look at the five innocent faces when they are asleep, said I, laughing, can see with a quarter of an eye that you and Mrs. McDougal are to be congratulated on the nature of your little ones. Of course we are, my dear fellow, returned the doctor with enthusiasm. But to change the subject, has little slider been here today? Not that I know of. Oh, there he is, said the doctor, as,

at that instant, the doorbell rang. There is insolence in the very tone of his ring. He has pulled the visitor's bell, too. And there goes the knocker. Of all the emps that walk, a London street boy is. The sentence was cut short

by the opening of the door and the entrance of my little protege. He had evidently got himself up for the occasion, for his shoe-black uniform had been well brushed, his hands and face severely washed, and his hair plastered, well down with soap and water.

Come in, Slyder. That's your name, isn't it? said the doctor. It is, sir. Robin Slyder at your service, replied the urchin, giving me a familiar nod. Ope your leg ain't so cranky as it was, sir. Getting all square, eh?

I repressed a smile with difficulty, as I replied, It is much better, thank you. Attend to what Dr. McDougal has to say to you. Hall serene, he replied, looking with cool or vanity in the doctor's face. Fire away. You're a shoe-black, I see, said the doctor. That's my profession. Do you like it?

Well, when it's dirty weather with lots of mud and coppers going, I does. When it's all sunshine and starvation, I doesn't. My friend, Mr. Mellon, tells me you're a very good boy. Little Slider looked at me with a solemn, reproachful air. Oh, what a whopper, he said. We both laughed at this. Come, Slida, said I. You must learn to treat us with more respect.

Else I shall have to change my opinion of you. Very good, sir. That's your business, not mine. I was invited here and here I am. Now, what have you got to say to me? That's the point. Can you read and write? resumed the doctor.

Certainly not, replied the boy with an air of one who had been insulted. What do you take me for? Do you think I'm a genius as can read and write without having been taught? Or do you think I'm a monster who was born reading and writing? I've had no school to go to nor nobody to put me there. I thought the school board looked after you. So they does, sir. But I've been too many for the school boarders.

Then it's your own fault, you've not been taught, said the doctor somewhat severely. Not at all, returned the urchin with quiet assurance. It's the duty of the school boarders to catch me, and they can't catch me. That's not my fault, it's superiority. My friend looked at the little creature before him with much surprise. After a few seconds contemplation and thought, he continued. Well, Slider, as my friend hears him, says you were a good sort of boy, I am bound to believe him, though appearances are somewhat against

you. Now, I am in want of a smart boy at present to attend the hall door, show patients into my consulting room, run messages, in short, make himself generally useful about the house. How would such a situation suit you? By doctor, said the boy ignoring the question, how could any boy attend on your all-door when it's burnt to ashes. We will manage to have another door, replied Dr. McDougal with a forbearing smile. Meanwhile, you could practice on the door of this house, but that is not answering my question, boy. How would you like the place?

You'd have light work, a good salary, pleasant society below stairs, and a blue uniform. In short, I'd make a page and buttons of you. What about the Vittles? demanded this remarkable boy. Of course you'd fare as well as the other servants, returned the doctor, rather testily, for his opinion of my little friend was rapidly falling. I could see that to my regret.

Now, give me an answer at once, he continued sharply. Would you like to come? Not by no manner of means, replied Slider promptly. We both looked at him in amazement. Why, Slyder, you stupid fella. said I. What possesses you to refuse so good an offer? Dr. Mellon, he replied, turning on me with a flush of unwanted earnestness. Do you think I'd be so shabby, so low, so mean, as to go and forsake Granny Willis

for all the light work and good salaries and pleasant society and blue uniforms with buttons in London? Who'd make her gruel? Who'd polish your shoes every morning till you could see to shave in them, though she don't never put them on. Who'd make her bed and light her fires and fetch her odd bits of coal? And who'd read the news to her and... Why, Slyder? Interrupted Dr. McTugel. You said just now that you could not read. No more I can, sir, but I takes in an old newspaper to her every morning and sets myself down by the fire with it before me and pretends to read. I I invents the news as I go along, and you should see that old lady's face, and the way your eyes open when I'm taping off the murders, and the highway robberies, and the burglaries, and the fires at

home, and the wars and earthquakes, and other scrimmages abroad. It do cheer up, most wonderful. Of course, I stick in any odd bits or real news that happens to get hold of, but I ain't particular. Apparently not, said the doctor laughing. well i see it's of no use tempting you to forsake your present position indeed i would not wish you to leave it some day i may find means to have old mrs willis taken better care of and then well we shall see meanwhile i respect your feelings good-bye and give my regards to granny say i'll be over to see her soon stay said i as the boy turned to leave you never told me that one of your names was robin "'Cause it wasn't when I saw you last. "'I only got it a few days ago.' "'Indeed.

"'From whom?' "'From Granny Willis. "'She gave me the name, and I likes it, "'and mean to stick by it. "'Good art anew, gentlemen. "'Tat-a-tie, punch.' "'At the word, my doggy bounced from under my hand "'and began to leap joyfully round the boy.

"'I say,' said Robin, "'pausing at the door and looking back, "'she's all right, I hope. getting better? Who do you mean? Why, the governess in course, my young lady. Oh yes, I'm happy to say she is better, said the doctor, much amused by the anxious look of the face,

which had hitherto been the quintessence of cool self-possession. But she has had a great shake, and will have to be sent to the country for change of air when we can venture to move her. I confess that I was much surprised, but not a little gratified, by the very decided manner in which Slider avowed his determination, to stand fast by the poor old woman in whom I had been led to take so strong an interest. Hitherto I had felt some uncertainty as to how far I could depend on the boy's affection from Mrs. Willis, and his steadiness of purpose. Now I felt quite sure of him. Dr. McTugel felt as I did in the matter, and so did his friend the city man.

I had half expected that Dobson would have laughed at us for what he sometimes styled our softness, because he had so much to do with sharpers and sharp practice, but I was mistaken. He quite agreed with us in our opinion of my little waif, and spoke admiringly of those who sought, through evil and good report, to rescue our city Arabs from destruction. and Dobson did more than speak. He gave liberally out of his ample fortune to the good calls. That evening, just after the gas

was lighted, while I was lying on the sofa thinking of these things and toying with dump's ears, the door opened and Mrs. McTugel entered, with Miss Blythe leaning on her arm. It was the first time she had come down to the drawing room since her illness. She was thin and pale, but to my mind more beautiful than ever, for her brown eyes,

to grow larger and more lustrous as they beamed upon me. I leaped up, sending an agonizing shoot of pain through my leg and hastened to meet her. Dumps, as if jealous of me, sprang wildly on before, and danced round his mistress in a whirlwind of delight. I'm so glad to see you, Miss Blythe, I stammered. I had feared the consequences of that terrible night, that rude descent. You, you are better, I... thank you very much better she replied with a sweet smile and how shall i ever express my debt of gratitude to you mr mellon she extended her delicate hand i grasped it and she shook mine heartily that shake fixed my fate no doubt it was the simple and natural expression of a grateful heart for a really important service but i cared nothing about that she blushed as i looked at her and stood as i looked at her and stood

to pat the jealous and impatient dumps. "'Sit here, darling, on this easy chair,' said Mrs. McDougal. "'You know the doctor allows you only a half an hour, or an hour at most, tonight. "'You may be up longer tomorrow. "'There, and you are not to speak much, remember?' "'Mr. Mellon, you must address yourself to me. "'Lilly is only allowed to listen.' "'Yes, as you truly said, Mr. Mellon,' continued the good lady,

"'who was somewhat garulous, heard to see, was rough, and indeed so was mine. Oh, I shall never forget that rough monster into whose arms you thrust me that awful night, but he was a brave and strong monster, too. He just gathered me up like a bundle of clothes and went crashing down the blazing stair, through fire and smoke, and through bricks and mortar, too. It seemed to me from the noise and shocks. But we came out safe, thank God, and I had not a scratch, though I noticed my monster's hair and beard were on fire. and his face was cut and bleeding. I can't think how he carried me so safely.

Ah, the firemen have a knack of doing that sort of thing, said I, speaking to Mrs. McTugel, but looking at Lily Blythe. So I have heard the brave noble men, said Lily, speaking to Mrs. McTugel, but looking at me. I know not what we conversed about during the remainder of that hour. Whether I talked sense or nonsense, I cannot tell. The only thing I'm quite sure of is that I talked incessantly, enthusiastically, to Mrs. McDougal, but kept my eyes fixed on Lily Blythe all the time. And I know that Lily blushed

a good deal and bent her pretty head frequently over her darling Pompeii and fondled him to his heart's content. That night, my leg violently resented the treatment it had received. When I slept, I dreamed that I was on the rack, and that Miss Blythe, strange to say, was the chief tormentor, while Dumps quietly looked on and laughed. Yes, deliberately laughed at my sufferings. End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of My Dog and I by Robert Ballantine. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Alice and Hester. Chapter 9. On the scent, but puzzled. it was a considerable time after the fire before my leg permitted me to resume my studies and my duties among the poor meanwhile i had become a regularly established inmate of mr dobson's house and was half jocularly styled dr mctugle's assistant i confess that i had some hesitation at first in accepting such generous hospitality but feeling that i could not help myself till my legs should recover i became reconciled to it

then as time advanced the doctor who was an experimental chemist as well as a jack-of-all-trades found me so useful to him in his laboratory that i felt i was really earning my board and lodging meanwhile lily blithe had been sent to visit to visit an aunt of Dr. McDougalls in Kent for the benefit of her health. This was well. I felt it to be so. I knew that her presence would have a disturbing influence on my studies, which were by that time nearly completed. I felt also that it was madness in me to fall in love with a girl whom I could not hope to marry for years, even if she were willing to have me at all, which I very much doubted. i therefore resolved to put the subject away from me and devote myself heartily to my profession in the spirit of all that word which tells us that whatsoever our hands find to do we should do it with all our might success attended my efforts i passed all my examinations with credit and became not only a fixture in the doctor's family but as he earnestly assured me a very great help to him of course i did not mention the state of my feelings toward Lily Blythe to anyone, not being in the habit of having confidence, except indeed to dumps. In the snug little room just over the front door, which had been given to me as a study,

I was wont to pour out many of my secret thoughts to my doggy as he sat before me with cocked ears and demonstrative tale. You've been the making of me, dumps, said I one evening, not long after I had reached the first round of the ladder of my profession. It was you who introduced me to Lily Blythe and threw her to Dr. McDougall, and you may be sure I shall never forget that. Nay, you must not be too demonstrative. When your mistress left you under my care, she said, half-jocularly no doubt, that I was not to steal your heart from her.

Wasn't that absurd, eh? as if any heart could be stolen from her. Of course, I cannot regain your heart dumps, and I will not even attempt it. On her bright, as Robin Sleiter says. By the way, that reminds me that I promised to go down and see old Mrs. Willis this very night, so I'll leave you to the tender mercies of the little McTougals.

As I walked down the strand, my last remark to dumps recurred to me, and I could not help smiling as I thought of the tender mercies to which I had referred. The reader already knows that the juvenile McTugals were somewhat bloodthirsty in their notions of play. When Dubs was introduced to their nursery, by that time, transferred from Dopsin's dining room to an upper floor, they at once adopted him with open arms. Dump seemed to be willing, and fortunately, turned out to be a dog of exceptionally good nature. He was also tough.

No amount of squeezing, bruising, pulling of the ears or tail falling upon him, either accidentally or on purpose, could induce him to bite. He did, indeed, yell hideously at times when much hurt, and he snarled, barked, yelped, growled, and showed his teeth continually, but it was all in play, for he was dearly fond of romps. Fortunately, the tall nurse had been born without nerves. She was wont to sit serene in a corner, darning innumerable socks, while a tornado was going on around her. Dumps became a sort of continual sacrifice. On all occasions when a criminal was to be decapitated, a burglar hanged, or a martyr burned, Dumps was the victim, and many a time he was rescued from impending in real death by the watchful nurse,

who was too well aware of the innocent ignorance of her ferocious charges, to leave dumps entirely to their tender mercies. On reaching Mrs. Willis's little dwelling, I found young Slider officiating at the tea table. I could not resist watching him a moment through a crack in the door before entering. Now then, said he, There you are. Set to work, old sneezer with a will.

The boy had got into a facetious way of calling Mrs. Willis by any term of endearment that suggested itself at the moment, which would have been highly improper and disrespectful if it had not been the outflow of pure affection. The crack in the door was not large enough to permit of my seeing Mrs. Willis herself as she sat in her accustomed window with the spout and chimney pot view. I could only see the withered old hand held tremblingly out for the smoking cup of tea, which the boy handed to her with a benignette smile, and I could hear the soft voice say,

Thank you, Robin. Dear boy, so like. I tell you what it is, Granny, returned Slider with a frown. I'll give you up and you over to the police if you go on comparing me to other people in that way. Now then, have some muffins. They're all hot and soaked in butter. Oh, gummy, just the very thing for your teeth. Fire away now. What's the use of me and dog?

Dr. McTugel fetching you nice things if you won't eat them. But I will eat them, Robin, thankfully. That ain't the way, old woman, returned the boy, helping himself largely to the vans which he so freely dispensed. It's not thankfully, but heartily you ought to eat them. Both, Robin, both. Not at all, Granny. We asked a blessing for us, now, didn't we?

Well then, what we've got to do next is go in and win heartily. Ardered that, is time enough to be thankful. What a boy it is, responded Mrs. Willis. I saw the withered old hand disappear with a muffin in it in the direction of the old mouth, and at this point I entered. The very man I wanted to see, exclaimed Slider, jumping up with what I thought was unusual animation, even for him. Come along, doctor.

Just in time for grub. Miss W. ain't eat up all the muffins yet. Fresh cup and saucer, clean plate, ditto knife, no need for a fork. Now then, sit down. Accepting this hearty invitation, I was soon busy with a muffin, while Mrs. Willis gave a slow, elaborate,

and graphic account of the sayings and doings of Master Slyder, which account, I ate. need hardly say, was much in his favor, and I am bound to add that he listened to it with pleased solemnity. Now then, old flatterer, when you've quite done, perhaps you'll tell the doctor that I want so vex of leave of absence, and then perhaps you'll listen to what him and me's got to say on that point. Just keep a stuffing yourself with muffins, and don't speak. The old lady nodded pleasantly and began to eat with apparently renewed appetite while I turned in some surprise. A weak sleeve of absence, said I. Just so, a vex leave of absence. Furlough, if you prefers to call it.

The truth is, I want a holiday very bad. Granny says so, and I think she's right. Do you think my constitution's made of brass or cast iron or bell metal that I should. be able to york on and on forever black, black, black and boots and shoes without a holiday, why lawyers, merchants, bankers, even doctors, needs a holiday now and then, how much more shoe blacks. Well, said I with a laugh, there's no reason why shoe black should not require and desire a holiday as much as other people, only it's unusual because they cannot afforded, I suppose. Ah, that's just where the shoe pinches. As an old gentleman shouted to me the other

day with a whack of his umbrella when I scrubbed his corn's too hard. Right you are, old stumps, says I, but you'll have to pay tuppence farting extra for that there whack. Or be took up for a salt and battery. Do you know that gentleman larked? He did, like an Iena. and paid the tuppets down like a man. I let him off the farden in consideration that he ain't got one, and I had no change. Well, to return to the point, which was what the old topper remarked to his wife every night.

I've been saving up of late. Saving up, have you? Yes, then Penny Banks has done it. Why, it ain't a virtue to be saving nowadays, or good, or that sort. sort of thing. What between city missionaries and Sunday schools and penny banks and cheat widdles and grannies like this, here old sneezer, it's hardly possible for a young feller to go wrong, even if he was to try. Yes, I've been and saved enough to give me a Veex holiday, so I'm going and have my holiday in the north. My elf requires it. Saying this,

young slider began to eat another muffin with a degree of zest that seemed to give the lie direct to his assertation so that i could not refrain from observing that he did not seem to be particularly ill ain't i though he remarked elongating his round rosy face as much as possible that's cause you judge too much by appearances it ain't my body that's wrong it's my spirit that's what's the matter with me if you only saw the inside of my mind, you'd be astonished. I thoroughly believe you, said I, laughing. And do you really advise him to go, Granny? Yes, my dear, I do, replied Mrs. Willis in her sweet, though feeble tones. You've no idea how he's been slaving and working about me. I have strongly advised him to go, and you know, good Mrs. Jones will take his place. She's as kind to me as a daughter.

The mention of the word daughter set the poor creature meditating on her great loss. She sighed deeply and turned her poor old eyes on me with a yearning, inquiring look. I was accustomed to the look by this time, and having no good news to give her had latterly got into a way of taking no notice of it. That night, however, my heart felt so sore for her that I could not refrain from speech. speaking, ah, dear granny, said I, laying my hand gently on her wrist. What did I had any news to give you, but I have none, at least not at present, but you must not despair. I have filled up to this time. It's true, although my inquiries have been frequent and carefully conducted. But you know, such a search takes a long time, and London is a large place.

the unfinished muffin dropped from the old woman's hand and she turned with a deep sigh to the window where the blank prospect was a not inapt reflection of her own blank despair never more she said never more hope thou in God, for thou shalt yet praise him, who is the health of thy countenance, and thy God, was all that I could say in reply. Then I turned to the boy, who sat with his eyes cast down as if in deep thought, and engaged him in conversation on other subjects, by way of diverting the old woman's mind from the painful theme. When I rose to go, Slyder said he would call Mrs. Jones to Mount Guard and give me a convoy home. no sooner were we in the street than he seized my hand and in a voice of unusual earnestness said i've got on her tracks whose tracks what do you mean on edie's to be sure edie willis talking eagerly and fast as we walked along little slider told me how he had first been put on the scent by his old friend and fellow waif the slogger that juvenile burglar

chancing to meet with Slider, entertained him with a relation of some of his adventures. Among others, he mentioned having many months before, been out one afternoon with a certain Mr. Brassy, rambling about the streets with an eye to any chance business that might turn up, when they observed a young and very pretty girl looking in at various shop windows. She was obviously a lady,

but her dress showed that she was very poor. her manner and color seemed to imply that she was fresh from the country. The two thieves at once resolved to fleece her. Brassy advised the slager to come to the soft dodge over her and entice her, if possible, into a neighboring court. The slager, agreeing, immediately ran and placed himself on a doorstep, which the girl was about to pass. Then he covered his face with his hands and began to groan dismally,

while Mr. Brassy, with native politeness, retired from the scene. The girl, having an unsuspicious nature and a tender heart, believed the tale of woe which the boy unfolded and went with him to see his poor mother, who had just fallen down in a fit, and was dying at that moment for want of someone to attend to her. She suggested, indeed, that the slogger should run to the nearest chemist, but the slogger said it would be of no use,

and might be too late. Would she just run round and see her? The girl acted on the spur of the moment. In her exuberant sympathy, she hurried down an alley, round a corner, under an archway, and walked straight into the lion's den. There, Mr. Brassy, the lion, promptly introduced himself and requested the loan of her purse and watch. The poor girl at once understood her position and turned to fly, but a powerful hand on her arm prevented her. Then she tried to shriek, but a powerful hand on her mouth prevented that also. Then she fainted. Not wishing to be found in an awkward position, Mr. Brassy and the slogger searched her pockets hastily,

and, finding nothing therein, retired precipitately from the scene, taking her little dog with them. As they did so, the young girl recovered, spread. wildly up and rushing back through the court and alley dashed into the main thoroughfare. The two thieves saw her attempt to cross, saw a cab horse knock her down, saw a crowd rushed to the spot, and then saw no more, owing to pressing engagements requiring their immediate presence elsewhere. There, that's what the slogger told me, said little slider, with flushed cheeks and excited looks, and I made him give me an exact description of a gal, which was a fact similar of the picture painted of Miss Edie Willis

by her own grandmother, as like as two black cats. This is interesting. Very interesting, my boy, said I, stopping and looking at the pavement, but I fear that it leaves us no clue with which to prosecute the search. Of course it don't, rejoined Robin with one of his knowing looks. But do you think I'd go and aggravate myself about the thing if I hadn't more to say than that? Well, what more do you have to say? Just this, that ever since my talk with the slogger, I've been making very particular inquiries at all the chemists and hospitals roundabout where he said the accident happened. And I've discovered one hospital where I happens to know the porter and I got him to investigate and he found there was a case of a young gal run over on the very day

this happened she got feverish he says and didn't know what she was saying for months and nobody come to inquire arter her and when she began to get well she sent to Vitechapel to inquire for her grandmother but her grandmother was gone nobody know where then the young gal got wuss Then she got better. And then she left saying she'd go back to her old Omen York, for she was sure the old lady must have returned there. So that's the reason why I'm going to recruit my elf in the north, do you see? But before I go, wouldn't it be better that you should make some investigations at the hospital?

I heartily agreed to this and went without delay to the hospital, where, however, no new light was thrown on the subway. On the contrary, I found what Slyder had neglected to ascertain, that the name of the girl in question was not Edy Willis, but Eva Bright, a circumstance which troubled me much, and inclined me to believe we had got on a false scent. But when I reflected on the other circumstance of the case, I still felt hopeful. The day of Edy's disappearance tallied exactly with the date of the robbing of the girl by Brassy and the Slager. Her personal appearance, too, as described by the Slager,

corresponded exactly with the description given of her granddaughter by Mrs. Willis, and above all, the sending of a messenger from the hospital by the girl to inquire for her grandmother, Mrs. Willis, were proofs too strong to be set aside by the mystery of the name. In these circumstances, I also resolved to take a holiday and join Robin Slider in his trip to York. End of Chapter 9. Chapter 10 of My Doggy and I by Robert Ballanty. This liverbox recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Alison Hester of Athens, Georgia.

Chapter 10. A disappointment, an accident, and a perplexing return. But the trip to York produced no fruit. Some of the tradespeople did. Indeed, remember Old Mrs. willis and her granddaughter, but had neither seen nor heard of them since they left. They knew very little about them personally, and nothing whatever of their previous history, as they had stayed only a short time in the town and had been remarkably shy and uncommunicative. The result,

it was thought, of their having come down in life. Much disappointed, Slyder and I returned to London. It is fortunate that we did not tell Granny the object of our trip so that she will be spared the disappointment that we have met with, said I, as the train near the metropolis. My companion made no reply. He had evidently taken the matter much to heart. We were passing rapidly through the gradually thickening groups of streets and houses which be sprinkled the circumference of the great city and sat gazing contemplatively on backyards, chimney cans, unfinished suburban residences, pieces of waste ground, back windows, internal domestic arrangements, etc., as they flew past in rapid succession.

Robin, said I, breaking the silence again and using the name, which had by that time grown familiar, have you made up your mind yet about taking service with Dr. McTugel? now that we have got Mrs. Jones engaged and paid to look after Granny, she will be able to get on pretty well without you, and you shall have time to run over and see her frequently. Hmm, I don't quite see my way, returned the boy with a solemn look. You see, sir, if it was a page and buttons I was to be, to attend on my young lady the governess, I might take it into consideration.

but to go into buttons and blue merely to open a door and do the polite to visitors and mix up things with bad smells by way of a change. Why, do you see the prospect ain't tempting? Besides, I hate blue. The buttons is all well enough, but blue reminds me so of the bobby's that I didn't think I could survive it long. Indeed, I don't. Robin, said I report. approachfully, I'm grieved that you're indifference to friendship. How so, sir?

Have you not mentioned merely your objections and the disadvantages without once weighing against them the advantages? Viches. Which are, said I, being under the same roof with me and with punch, to say nothing of your young lady. Ah, to be sure. well, but I did think of all that. Only, don't you see, I'll come to be under the same roof with you all in course of time when you've got spliced and set up for. Slider, said I sternly and losing my

patience under the boy's presumption. You must never again dare to speak of such a thing. You know very well that it is quite out of the question, and you'll get into a careless way. of referring to such a possibility among servants or no honor bright exclaimed slider with for the first time a somewhat abashed look in his face i wouldn't for the wealth of the enjee say a word to nobody whatsoever it's only a tween ourselves that our winners too well well enough said i don't in future venture to do it even between ourselves, if you care to retain my friendship. Now, Robin, I added, as the train slowed, of course you'll not let a hint of our reason for going north pass your lips to poor granny or anyone, and give her the old message that I'll be along to see her soon. It was a pleasant return to such a hearty reception as I met with from the doctor's family. Although my absence had been but for a few days, the children came crowding and clinging around me, declaring that it seemed like

weak since I left them. The doctor himself was, as usual, exuberant, and his wife extremely kind. Miss Blythe, I found, had not yet returned and was not expected for some time. But the reception accorded me by the doctor and his family was as nothing to the wild welcome lavished upon me by dumps. That loving creature came more nearly to the bursting point than I had ever seen him before. His spirit was obviously much too large for his body. He was romping with the McTugel baby when I entered. The instant he heard my voice in the hall, he uttered a squill, almost a yell of delight, and came down the two flights of stairs in a wriggling heap, his legs taking comparatively little part in the movement. His paws, when first applied to the wax cloth of the nursery floor, slipped as if

on ice, without communicating motion. On the stairs, his ears, tail, head, hair, heart, and tongue conspired to convulse him. Only when he had fairly reached me did the hind legs do their duty as he bounced and wriggled high into the air. Powers of description are futile. Vision alone is of any avail in such a case. Her dog's mortal, is such overflowing wealth of affection extinguished at death? Shah, thought I, the man who thinks so, shows that he is utterly void of the merest rudiments of common sense. I did not mention the object of my visit to York, to the doctor or his wife. Indeed, that natural shyness and reticence, which I have found it impossible to shake off, except when writing to you, good reader, would in any case have prevented my communicating much of my private

affairs to them, but particularly in a case like this, which seemed to be assuming the aspect of a wildly romantic hunt after a lost young girl, more like the plot of a sensational novel than an occurrence in everyday life. It may be remarked here that the doctor had indeed understood from Mrs. Willis that she had somehow lost a granddaughter. But being rather fussy in his desires and efforts to comfort people in distress, he had failed to rouse the sympathy which would have drawn out details from the old woman. I therefore merely gave him to understand that the business which had called me to the north of England had been unsuccessful and then changed the subject.

Meanwhile, dumps returned to the nursery to resume the game of romps which I had interrupted. After a general scrimmage in which the five chips of the elder McDougal had joined, without regard to any concerted plan, Dolly suddenly shouted, Top! What are we to stop for? demanded Harry, whose powers of self-restraint were not strong. What a west, said Dolly, sitting down on a stool with a resolute plump. Rest quick, then, and let's go on again. said Harry, throwing himself into a small chair, while Job and Jenny sprawled on an ottoman in the window.

Seeing that her troops appeared to be exhausted and that a period of repose had set in, the tall nurse thought this a fitting opportunity to retire for a short, recreational talk with the servants in the kitchen. Now be good, chilling, she said passing out, and don't hurt poor little dumps. Oh, no, chorus the five, while with faces of intense and real solemnity,

they assured Nurse that they would not hurt dumps for the world. We'll be so good, remarked Dolly as the door closed, and she really meant it. What'll we do to him now? asked Harry, whose patience was exhausted. Put off him's head, cried Dolly, clapping her fat little hands. No, bearing him for a witch. said Jenny. Oh no, Ville skis him flat till he's busted, suggested Job.

But Jenny thought that would be too cruel, and Harry said it would be too tame. It must not be supposed that these and several other appalling tortures were meant to really be attempted. As Job afterwards said, it was only play. Oh, I'll tell you what we'll do, said Jack, who was convalued. considerably in advance of the others in regard to education. We'll turn him into Joan of Arc. What's Joan of Arc? asked Job. It isn't a what, it's a who, cried Jack, laughing.

Is it like Noah's Ark? inquired Dolly. No, no. It's a lady who lived in France and thought she was sent to deliver her country from from, I don't know all what, and put on men's clothes and armor and went out to battle and was burnt. But, shouted Dolly with sparkling eyes, oh, what fun, we're going to burn you, Pompeii. They called him by Lily Blythe's name. Dumps, who sat in a confused heap in a corner, panting, seemed regardless of the fate that awaited him.

"'But where shall we find armor?' said Harry. "'I know,' exclaimed Job, going to the fireplace and seizing the lid of a saucepan, "'which stood on the hearth, near enough to the tall fender to be within reach. "'Here's something. Capital, a breastplate, just the thing!' cried Jack, seizing it and whistling to dumps. "'And here's a first-rate helmet,' said Harry, producing a toy drum, with the heads out. The strong contrast between my doggy's conditions of grigginess and humiliation has already been referred to. Aware that something unusual was pending, he crawled towards Jack

with every hair trailing and lowly submission. Poor Joan of Arc might have had a happier fate if she had been influenced by a similar spirit. Now, sir, stand up on your hind legs. The already well-trained and obedient creature obeyed. There, he said, tying the lid to his hairy bosom. And there, he continued, thrusting the drum on his meek head, which

it fitted exactly. Now, Madame Joan, come away. The faggots are ready. With Harry's aid and to the ineffable joy of Jenny, Job, and Dolly, the little dog was carefully bound to the leg of a

small table and bits of broken toys, of which there were heaps, were piled round it for faggots. Don't be cruel, said Dolly tenderly. Oh, no, we won't be cruel, said Jack, who was really anxious to accomplish the whole execution without giving pain to the victim. The better to arrange some of the fastenings he clambered on the table. Dolly, always anxious to observe what was being done, attempted to do the same. Jenny, trying to prevent her, pulled at her skirts, and among them, they pulled the table over on themselves. It fell with a dire crash. Of course, there were cries and shouts from the children,

but these were overtopped and quickly silenced by the hideous yellings of dumps. Full many a time had the poor dog given yelp and yell in that nursery when accidentally hurt, and as often had it wagged its forgiving tail and licked the padding hand. hands of sympathy. But now the yells were loud and continuous. The patting hands were snapped at, and dumps refused to be comforted. His piercing cries reached my study. I sprang upstairs and dashed into the nursery where the eccentric five were standing in a group, with looks of self-condemming horror in their ten round eyes and almost equally expressive round mouths. The reason was soon discovered. poor dumps had got a hind leg broken. Having ascertained the fact, alleviated the pain as well as I could,

and bandaged the limb, I laid my doggy tenderly in the toy bed belonging to Jenny's largest doll, which was quickly and heartily given up for the occasion, the dispossessed doll being callously laid on a shelf in the meantime. It was really quite interesting to observe the effect of this accident on the tender-hearted five. They wept over Dummies. most genuine tears. They begged his pardon, implored his forgiveness, in the most earnest tones and touching terms. They took turn about and watching by his sick bed. They held lint and lotion with superhuman solemnity while I dressed his wounded limb, and they fed him with the most tender solicitude. In short, they came out quite in a new and sympathetic light and soon began to play at sick nursing with each other.

This involved a good deal of pretended sickness, and for a long time after that, it was no uncommon thing for visitors to the nursery to find three of the five down with measles, whooping cough, or fever, while the fourth acted doctor and the fifth nurse. The event, however, gave them a lesson in gentleness to dumb animals, which they never afterwards forgot, and which some of my boy readers would do well to remember. With a laudable effort to improve the occasion, Mrs. McTugel carefully printed in huge letters and elaborately illuminated the sentence, Be Kind to Doggy, and hung it up in the nursery. Thereupon, cardboard, pencils, paints, and scissors were in immediate demand, and soon after, there appeared on the walls in hideously bad but highly ornamental letters, the words, Be Kind to Caddy. This was followed by Be Kind to Polly, which instantly suggested be kind to Dolly.

And so, by one means or another, the lesson of kindness was driven home. Soon after this event, Dr. McDougall moved into a new house in the same street. I became regularly established as his partner, and Robin Slider entered on his duties as page and buttons. It is right to observe here that in deference to his prejudices, the material, material of his garments was not blue, but dark gray. It was distinctly arranged, however, that Robin was to go home, as he called it, to be with Mrs. Willis at nights. On no other condition would he agree to enter the doctor's service, and I found, on talking over the subject with Mrs. Willis herself, that she had become so fond of the boy that it would have been

sheer cruelty to part them. In short, it was a case of mutual love at first sight. No two individuals seemed more unlikely to draw together than the meek gentle old lady and the dashing harum scarrum boy yet so it was my dear she always spoke to me now as if I had been her son this waif as people would call him has clearly been sent to me as a comfort in the midst of all but overwhelming sorrow and I believe too that I have sent to draw the dear boy to Jesus. You should hear what long and pleasant talks we have about him and the Bible and the better land sometimes. Indeed, I am glad to hear you say so, Granny, and also surprised, because although I believe the boy to be well-disposed, I have seldom

been able to get him to open his lips to me on religious subjects. Ah, but he opens his lips to me, doctor and reads to me many a long chapter out of the blessed word. Reads, can he read? I can he? Not so badly, considering that I only began to teach him two or three months ago, but he knew his letters when we began and could spell out a few words. He's very quick, you see, and a dear boy. Soon afterwards, we made this arrangement with Robin more convenient for all parties

by bringing Mrs. Willis over to a better lodging in one of the small back streets, not far from the doctor's new residence. I now began to devote much of my time to the study of chemistry, not only because it suited Dr. McTugel that I should do so, but because I had conceived a great liking for that science, and entertained some thoughts of devoting myself to it almost exclusively. In the various experiments connected therewith, I was most ably, and, I may add,

lightedly assisted by Robin Slider. I was also greatly amused by and induced to philosophize, not a little on the peculiar cast of the boy's mind. The pleasure obviously afforded to him by the uncertainty as to results in experiments was very great. The probability of a miscarriage created in him intense interest. I will not say hope. The ignorance of what was coming kept him in a constant flutter of subdued excitement. And the astounding results, even sometimes to myself, of some of my combinations kept him in a perpetual simmer of expectation. But after long observation, I have come to the deliberate conclusion that nothing whatever gave Robin such ineffable joy as an explosion. A crash, a burst, a general reduction of anything to instantaneous and elemental ruin was so dear to him

that I verily believe he would have taken his chance and stood by if I had proposed to blow the roof off Dr. McDougal's mansion. Nay, I almost think that if that remarkable waif had been set on a bombshell and blown to Adams, he would have retired from this life in a state of supreme satisfaction. While my mind was thus agreeably concentrated on the pursuit of science, it received a rude but pleasing, yet particularly distracting shock by the retirement. turn of Lily Blythe. The extent to which this governess was worshipped by the whole household was wonderful, almost idolatrist. Need I say that I joined in the worship and that Dumps and Robin followed

suit? I think not. And yet there was something strange, something peculiar, something unaccountable about Miss Blythe's manner, which I could by no means understand. End of Chapter 10. Chapter 11 of My Dog and I by Robert Ballantyne. This liverbox recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Allison Hester. Chapter 11 relates generally to the doings and sayings of Robin Slider. My dear, said Mrs. McDougall one evening to the doctor, since that little boy Slider came to stay with us, things have become worse and worse.

In fact, the house is almost unbearable. My dear. responded Dr. McTugel. You amaze me. Surely the boy has not dared to be rude, insolent to you? Oh, no, it's not that, but he must really be forbidden to enter the nursery. Our darlings, you know, were dreadful enough before he came, but since then they have become absolute maniacs.

You don't mean to say that the little rascal has been teaching them bad words or manners, I hope, returned the doctor with a frown. Dear me, no, Papa, don't get angry, answered the anxious lady. Far from it. On the contrary, I really believe that our darlings have greatly improved his language and manners by their example. But Robin's exuberant spirits are far too much for them. It is like putting fire to gunpowder, and they are so fond of him. That's the difficulty. The boy does not presume, I must say that for him. and he is very respectful to nurse.

But the children are constantly asking him to come play with them, which he seems quite pleased to do, and then his mind is so eccentric, so inventive. The new games he devises are very ingenious, but so exceedingly dangerous and destructive, that it is absolutely necessary to check him, and I want you to do it, dear. I must know something of the nature of the mischief

before I can check it, said the doctor. Oh, it's indescribable, returned the lady. The smell that he makes in the nursery with his chemical experiments is awful, and then poor Pompeii, or dumps, or whatever they call him, for they seem very undecided about his name, has not the life of, I was going to say, a dog with them. Only last night, when you were out, the ridiculous boy proposed the storming of an ogre's castle.

nurse was downstairs at the time or it could never have happened. Well, of course, Robin was the yoga. Darling Dolly was a princess whom he had stolen away. Jack was a prince who was to deliver her, and the others were the prince's retainers. A castle was built in one corner of all the tables and chairs in the room piled on each other, with one particular chair so ingeniously arranged

that the pulling of it out would bring the castle in ruins to the ground. The plan of attack, as far as I could make out, was that the prince should ring our dinner bell at the castle gates in fiercely demand admittance, the demand to be followed by a burst from the trumpets, drums, and gongs of his soldiers. The ogre seated on the castle top with the princess, after a few preliminary yells and howls, was to say, in a gruff voice, that he was too much engaged just then with his dinner, that three roast babies were being dished. When they were disposed of, the princes would be killed and served up as a sort of light pudding, after which he would open the castle gate. A horrible smell was to be created at this

point to represent the roasting of the babies. This was to be the signal for a burst of indignation from the prince and his troops, who were to make a furious assault on the door, one of our largest tea trays, and after a little, the prince was to pull away the particular a chair and rush back with his men to avoid the falling ruin, while the ogre and princess were to find shelter under the nursery table. And then when the fall was over, they were to be found dead among the ruins. I am not sure whether the princess was to be revived, or she was to have a grand funeral, but the play never got that length. I was sitting here, listening to the various sounds overhead, wondering what they could be about when I heard a loud ringing. That was the castle bell.

It was soon followed by a burst of toy trumpets and drums. A most disgusting smell began to permeate the house at the same time, for it seems that the ogre set fire to his chemicals too soon. Then I heard roaring and yelling, which really alarmed me. It was so gruff. When it stopped, there was a woeful howl. That was the burst of indignation. The assault came off next,

and as the shouting of the troops was mingled with the hammering of the large tea tray, the ringing of the dinner bell, and the beating of the gong, you may fancy what the noise was. In the midst of it, there was a hideous crash, accompanied by screams of alarm that were too genuine to be mistaken. I rushed up and found the furniture lying scattered over the room with Darling Dolly in the midst, the other standing in solemn silence around, and Robin Slyda sitting on the ground ruefully rubbing his head. The truth was that the particular chair had been pulled away before the proper time, and the castle had come down in ruins while the ogre and princes were still on top of it. Fortunately, Robin saved Dolly at the expense of his own

head and shoulder by throwing his arms round her and falling under most, but it was a narrow escape, and you really must put a stop to such reckless ongoings. The doctor promised to do so. I have to send Robin a message this forenoon, and will it minister a rebuke before sending him, he said, but it was plain from the smile on the doctor's face that the rebuke would not be severe. Robin, he said with much solemnity when the culprit stood before him, take this bottle of medicine to Mr. Williams, you know, the old place, and say I want to know how he is and that I will call tomorrow afternoon. Yes, sir, said the boy, taking the bottle with an unusually subdued air. And,

Robin, stop, continued the doctor. I am told that the children were visited by an ogre last night. Yes, sir, answered the boy with an uncertain glance at his questioner's grave face. Well, Robin, you know where that ogre lives. Just call and tell him from me that if he or any of his relations ever come here again, I'll cause them to undergo extraction of the spinal marrow. Do you understand? at first little slider felt inclined to laugh but the doctor's face was so unusually stern that he thought better of it and went away much impressed now robin slider was no loiterer on his errands nevertheless he did not deem it a breach of fidelity to cast an occasional glance into a picture-shop window or to pause a few seconds now and then to chaff a facetious cabby or make a politely sarcastic remark to a bobby

His connection with what he termed, High Life, had softened him down considerably and given a degree of polish to his wit, but it had in no degree repressed his exuberant spirits. The distance he had to go, being considerable, he traveled the latter part of the way by Omnibus. Chancing to be in a meditative frame of mind that day, he climbed to the roof of the bus

and sat down with his hands thrust deep into his pockets and his eyes deep into future. maturity. Whether he saw much there, I cannot tell. But after wandering for some time in that unknown region, his eyes returned to surrounding things, and, among other objects, alighted on the bus conductor, whose head was within a few inches of his toe. It was the head of the slogger. That eccentric individual, having sprung up in a few months from the condition of a big boy to that of an exceedingly young man had obtained a situation as conductor to a bus.

He was so busy with his fares when Robin mounted the bus that he failed to observe him until the moment. When the latter returned from futurity, their eyes met simultaneously and opened to such an extent that if size had counted for numbers, they might have done for four boys. Hello, buttons, was the slogger's exclamation. Hello, Slogger, was that of Robin.

Well, now, this is a pleasure. Who'd have thought it? said the conductor, reaching up his hand. Is that for your fare or a shake, slager? demanded Robin. I shake, of course, old feller, replied the other, as Robin grasped the proffered hand. But I say, he added in a lower key, there's no slogger now in this air world. He's dead and buried long ago. My name is Villan Bowles. No connection whatever with Slogger. Oh no, we never mention them. But I say, when did you go to the Gentile line, eh, Slider? Robin. Robin is my name now, Villain Bowles. I've changed it since we met last, though I ain't cut old friends like you. Robin and Slider have been united and a pretty pair they make, don't they? Midland

Hold on till I get that ancient stout party shoved in Looks as if he was going in the opposite direction But it don't matter so long as we can get him in Now then sir mind the step all right I say slot robin I mean Well slog Villum I mean Why don't you say what you mean eh

How do you like grey tites and buttons? said the slogger with a bland smile. Ah, so-so, replied Robin with a careless air. The gray is sober enough, quite suitable to my character, and I confess, I'm fond of the buttons. There's enough of them to form a goodish overcoat almost, said the slager with a critical grin, but I should have thought I'm not sufficiently waterproof in wet weather. Well, they ain't much use for that, slog, uh, villain, but

But you should see the dazzling display they make some sunshine. Why, you can see me half a mile off when I chance to be walking in Regent Street or driving in the park, but I value them chiefly because of the frequent and pleasant talks they get me with the ladies. You don't mean for to say, Robin, that the ladies ever holds you by the buttonholes? No, I don't, but I holds them with the buttons. This is the way of it. I chanced to see a very pretty lady, not one of your beauties, you know.

I don't care a dump for them stuck-up creatures, but one of your sweet, amiable sort, with soles above buttons and faces one likes to look at and to kiss when you've a right to. Well, when I sees one of those, I brushes up again her and looks on with my buttons to some of her togs. If she takes it ill, looks cross and half inclined to use strong language, I makes an umble apology and gets undone as fast as possible. But if she laughs and says, stupid boy, why don't you look before you or something of that

sort, I just oaks on another tag to another button when we're a fumbling at the first one, and so goes on till we get to be quite sociable over it. I might almost say confidential. once or twice i've been the victim of misjudgment and got a heavy slap on the face from angelic hands that ought to have known better but on the old i'm willing to take my chance not a bad notion remarked the slogger especially for a pretty little chap like you robin right you are replied the other but you needn't try on the dodge yourself for it would never pay with a big ugly grandpa like you villain having thus run into a pleasant little chat the two waifs proceeded to compare notes in the course of which comparison the slogger gave an outline of his recent history he had been engaged in several successful burglaries but had been caught in the act of pocket-picking for which offence he had spent some weeks in prison while there a visitor had spoken to him very earnestly and advised him to try an honest life as being to say the least of it easier work than thieving. He had made the attempt. Through the influence of the same prison visitor, he had obtained a situation from which he had been advanced to the responsible position, which he

then held. And you know, Robin, said the slogger, I find that honesty pays pretty well, and I means to stick to it. And I suppose, said Robin, if it didn't pay pretty well, you'd cut it? Of course I would, returned the slager with a look of surprise. eyes. What's the use of sticking to a thing that don't pay? Well, if them's your principles, you ain't got much too old on by my tulip, said Robin. And what principles may you hold on buy my turnip? asked the slogger. It would puzzle me rather to tell that, returned Robin, especially talking down to the level of my own toes on the top of a bus. But I'll tell you what, Villum, if you'll come to number six grovelly street, Shodwell Square, just back a Ho-boy

Crescent, where my master lives on Sunday next at seven in the evening, you'll hear and see something as will open your eyes. Ah, a meeting house, said the Slager with a slight smile of contempt. Musicals and Publix is meeting houses, ain't they? Ah, but they ain't prayer meeting houses, rejoined the Slager. not so sure that villain there's a deal of prayer in such places sometimes and it's well for the visitors that their prayers ain't always answered but our meeting-house is more than just for prayer a deal more and there's my young missus a real angel comes in and olds forth there every sunday evening the young fellers like you and me you just come and judge for yourself no thanky returned the slager. As he spoke, a lady with a lap dog made powerful demonstrations with her umbrella. The bus stopped, and the conductor attended to his duties, while Robin, who really felt a strong

desire to bring his old comrade under an influence which he knew was working wonderful change in himself, sat meditating sadly on the obstinacy of human nature. I say, Rob, said the slager on resuming his perch, do you know I, I'm a little bit of the slagher on resuming his perch? Do you know I found traces of that young gal as you took such an interest in, as runned away from the old woman and was robbed by the Brassy and me? You don't mean that, explained Robin eagerly. Yes, I do. She's in London, I believe, but I can't exactly say where. I heard of her through Sal. You know Sal, who hangs out at the vest end of Potter's Lane. I expect to see Sal an half an hour.

So if you're coming back this way, I'll be at the Black Bull by two o'clock and tell you all I can pump out of her. I'll be there sharp, said Robin promptly, and now pull up, for I must take it to my legs here. But I say, Robin, if we do find that gal, you won't split on me, eh? You won't tell her who I am or where I is. You won't victimize your old friend. Do you take me for an informer? demanded Rob. Robin with an offended look. All right, cried the slogger, giving the signal to drive on. Robin sped quickly away, executed his mission, and returned to the Black Bull in a state

of considerable excitement and strong hope. Slyder was doomed to be disappointed. He reached the Black Bull at two o'clock precisely. Vell, my fear, one, he said addressing a waiting maid who met him in the passage, it's good for sore eyes to see the likes of you in cloudy weather. Do you happen to know a young man of the name of villain Bowles? Yes, I do, Mr. Imprits, answered the girl. You couldn't introduce me to him, could you miss sunshine?

No, I couldn't, because he isn't here and won't likely be back for two hours. This reply took all the humor out of Robin's tone and manner. He resolved, however, to wait for half an hour and went out to saunter in front of the hotel. Half an hour passed, then another, then another, and the boy was fain to leave the spot in despair. Poor Slyder's temperament was sanguine. Slight encouragement raised his hopes very high. Failure depressed him proportionally and woefully low, but to do him justice, he never sorrowed long. In the present instance, he left the black bull grinding his teeth.

Then he took to clanking his hills as he walked along in a way that drew forth the comments of several street boys, to whom, in a spirit of liberality, he returned considerably more than he received. Then he began to mutter between his teeth, his private opinion, as to faithless persons in general, and faithless villain, alias the slogger, in particular, whose character he painted to, himself in extremely sombre colors. After that, a heavy thunder shower having fallen and drenched him, he walked recklessly and violently through every puddle in his path. This seemed to relieve his spirit, for when he reached Ho-boy Crescent, he had recovered much of his wanted equanimity. The slogger was not, however, so faithless as his old friend imagined. He had been at the

Black Bull before two o'clock, but had been sent off by his employer with a note to a house at a considerable distance in such urgent haste that he had not had time to even think of leaving a message for his friend. In these circumstances, he resolved to clear his character by paying a visit on the following Sunday to No. 6 Grovely Street, Shodwell Square. End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12 of My Doggy and I by Robert Ballantyne. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. by Allison Hester. Chapter 12 begins with love, hope, and joy

and ends peculiarly. It may not, perhaps, surprise the reader to learn that after Lily Blythe's return to town, I did not prosecute my studies with as much enthusiasm as before. In fact, I divided my attentions pretty equally between Lily and chemistry.

Now, I am not prone to become sentimentally talkative about my own affairs, But as courtship and love and that sort of thing are undoubted and important elements in the chemistry of human affairs, and as they influenced me and those around me to some extent, I cannot avoid making reference to them, but I promise the reader to do so only as far as appears necessary for the elucidation of my story. First then, although I knew that my prospects of success as a partner of Dr. McTougall were most encouraging, I felt that it would be foolish to think of marriage until my position was well established and my income adequate. I therefore strove with all my might to check the flow of my thoughts towards Miss Blythe.

As well, might I have striven to restrain the flow of Niagara. True love cannot be stemmed. In my case, however, the proverb was utterly falsified, for my true love did run smooth. More than that, it ran fast. very fast indeed so much so that i was carried as it were on the summit of a rushing flood-tide into the placid harbor of engagement the anchorage in that harbor is with many people uncertain with lily and me it was not so the ground tackle was good it had caught hold of a rock and held on it happened thus after many weeks of struggling on my part to keep out of miss blight's way and to prevent the state of my feelings from being observed by her. Struggles which I afterwards found to my confusion had been quite obvious to her.

I found myself standing alone one Sunday afternoon in the doctor's drawing room, meditating on the joys of childhood, as exemplified by thunderous blows on the floor above and piercing shouts of laughter. The children had been to church and were working off the steam culminated there. Suddenly, there was a dead silence, which I knew to be the result of a meal. The meal was, I may add, the union of a late dinner with an early tea. It was characteristic of Sundays in the McTugel Nursery. The thought of this union turned my mind into another channel. Just then, Miss Blythe entered. She looked so radiant that I forgot myself,

forgot my former struggles, my good resolutions, everything except herself, and proposed on the spot. I was rejected, of course. More than that, I was stunned. Hope had told me many flattering tales. Indeed, I had felt so sure from many little symptoms that Lily had a strong regard for me, to say the least, that I was overwhelmed, not only by my rejection, but by the thought of my foolish self-assurance. I don't wonder that you look upon me as a presumptuous, vain, contemptible fella, said I in the bitterness of my soul. But I do not regard you in that light, said Lily with a faint smile, and then, hesitatingly, she looked down at the carpet.

In what light do you regard me, Miss Blythe? said I, recovering a little hope and speaking vehemently. Really, Dr. Mellon, you take me by surprise. Your manner so abrupt, so... Oh, never mind, manner, dear Miss Blythe, said. said I, seizing her hand and forcibly detaining it. You are the soul of truth. Tell me, is there any hope for me? Can you care for me? Dr. Mellon, she said, drawing her hand firmly away.

I cannot, should not reply. You do not know all the circumstances of my life, my poverty, my solitary condition in the world, my, my, Miss Blythe, I exclaimed, desperation if you were as poor as a church rat as solitary as as Adam before the advent of Eve I would count it my chief joy and hello Melon hi I say where are you shouted the voice of the doctor at that moment from below stairs here's dumps been in the laboratory and capsize some of the chemicals coming sir I shouted

then tenderly, though hurriedly, to Miss Blythe. You will let me resume this subject at... Hello, look sharp, from below. Yes, yes, I'll be down directly. Dear Miss Blythe, if you only knew... Why, the dog's burning all over. Help me, roared the doctor. Miss Blythe blushed and laughed.

How could she help it? I hastily kissed her hand and fled from the room. That was the whole affair. There was not enough. strictly speaking, to form a ground of hope, but somehow I knew that it was all right. In the laboratory, I found dumps smoking and the doctor pouring water from the tap on his disheveled body. He was not hurt, and little damage was done. But as I sat in my room talking to him that evening, I could not help reproaching him with having been the means of breaking off one of the most important interviews of my

life. However dumps, I continued, your good sir, services far outweigh your wicked deeds. And whatever you may do in the future, I will never forget that you were the means of introducing me to that angel, Lily Blythe. The angel in question went that Sunday evening at 7 o'clock, as was her want, to a Bible class which she had started for the instruction of some of the poor, neglected boys and lads who idled about in the dreary back streets of our aristocratic neighborhood. The boys had become so fond of her that they were eager to attend and usually assembled round the door of the classroom before the hour. My protege, Robin Slyder, was of course one of her warmest adherents. He was standing that night

apart from the other boys, contemplating the proceedings of two combative sparrows, which quarreled over a crumb of bread on the pavement, and had just come to the conclusion that men and sparrows had some qualities in common when he was attracted by a low whistle, and, looking up, and, looking up, beheld the slogger peeping round a neighboring corner. Hello slug, villain I mean. How are ya? Come along. Well I am glad to see you for you know, already you failed me that day at the Black Bull I've been giving you a pretty bad character and calling you no end of bad names. Is that what your angel teaches you Robin? Well, well,

Not exactly, but you'll hear what she teaches for yourself tonight, I hope. Come, I'm right glad to see you, Villum. What was it that prevented you that day, eh? When the slogger had explained and cleared his character, Robin asked him eagerly if he had ascertained anything further about the girl whom he and Brassy had robbed. Of course I have, said the slager. In insecure circumstance, that are a place of abode, so Sally says,

is in the vest end, not very far from here. She gave me the street and the name, but wasn't quite sure of the number. Val, come along, let's hear all about it, said Robin impatiently. Why, what's your hurry? returned the slogger slowly. I ain't going away till I've heard what your angels got to say, you know. Besides, I must go order your meetings over and watch the owls till I see the gallon, make sure it's her.

"'For Sally may have been mistook, you know.' "'You don't know her name, do you?' asked Robin. "'It wasn't Edie Willis now, was it?' "'How should I know her name?' answered the slager. "'Do you think I stopped to inquire "'when I helped to relieve her of her property?' "'Ah, I suppose not. "'Well, I suppose you've no objection

"'dem I going to watch along with you?' "'None whatsoever. Only remember, if it do turn out to be her, you won't betray me. Honor Bright. She may be revengeful, you know, and might have me took up if she got old of me. Robin Slyder faithfully and earnestly pledged himself. While he was speaking, there was a general movement among the lads and boys towards the classroom, for Miss Blythe was seen coming towards them. The two friends moved with the rest. Just as he was about to enter the door, Robin missed his companion, and, looking back, saw him bending down and holding his sides as if in pain.

What's wrong now? he inquired, returning to him. Oh, hum took so bad, said the slogger looking very red and rubbing himself. A old complaint as I thought I was cured of. Oh dear, you'll have to excuse me, Robin, and I'll go and take a turn and come in if I gets better. If not, I'll meet you round the corner, arter it's over. So saying, the slager, turning round, walked quickly away, and his little friend entered the classroom in a state of mind pendulating between disgust and despair, for he had no expectation of seeing the slippery slogger again that night. When the meeting was over, Miss Blythe returned home. I saw her enter the

library. No one else was there I knew. The gas had not yet been lighted and only a faint flicker from the fire illuminated the room. Unable to bear the state of uncertainty under which my mind still labored, I resolved to make assurance doubly

sure or quit the house and England forever. I spare the reader the details. Suffice it to say that after much entreaty, I got her to admit that she loved me, but she refused to accept me until she had told me her whole history. Then I'm sure of you now, said I in triumph.

For, be your history what it may, I'll never give up on you, dearest Lily. Don't call me Lily, she said in a low, quiet tone. It is only a pet name which the little ones here gave me on my first coming to them. Call me Edith. I will, said I with enthusiasm. A far more beautiful name. I'll... Hello! Hi, Mellon. Are you there? For the second time that day, Dr. Tugel interrupted me, but I was proof against annoyance now. Yes, I'm here, I shouted running downstairs. Surely Dumps is not burning himself again, eh?

Oh, no, returned my friend with a laugh. Only a telegram. However, it's important enough to require prompt attention. The Gordons and Bingley Manor, you know them, telegraphed me to run down immediately. Old Lady, ill. Now, it unfortunately happens that I have an engagement this evening, which positively cannot be put off, so I must send you. Besides, I know well enough what it is. They're easily alarmed, and I'm convinced it is just the old story.

However, the summons must be obeyed. You will go for me. the train starts in half an hour. You will have plenty of time to catch it if you make haste. You'll have to stay all night. No return train till tomorrow. Being an out-of-the-way place.

There, off with you. Put the telegram in your pocket for the address. So saying, the doctor put on his hat and left the house. Summoning Robin Slider, I bade him to pack a few things into my traveling bag while I wrote a note. When he had finished,

he told me of his interview with the slager. I was greatly interested and asked if he had gone to see his friend after the meeting. No, sir, I didn't. I meant to, but Miss Blythe wanted me to walk home with her. It was so dark, and when I went back, he had gone. Pity, Robin, a great pity, said I, hastily strapping up my bag, but no doubt he'll come here to see you again. Now, don't forget to take over that parcel of tea and sugar, etc., to Mrs. Willis.

Go as soon as you can. Saying this, I left the house. The new residence of the old woman being so near to Ho-Boy Crescent the parcel was soon delivered, and Robin officiated at the opening of it, also at the preparing and consuming of some of its contents. Of course, he chatted vigorously, as was his wont, but was particularly careful to make not the most distant allusion to the slogger or his reports, being anxious not to arouse her hopes until he should have some evidence that they were on a true scent. Indeed, he was so fearful of letting slip some word or remark on the subject and thereby awakening suspicion and giving needless pain

that he abstained from all reference to the meeting of that evening and launched out instead into wonderful and puzzling theological speculations of which he was very fond. Meanwhile, I was carried swiftly into the country. The lamp in my carriage was too dim to permit of reading. I therefore wrapped myself in my rug and indulged in pleasant meditations. It was past midnight when I arrived at the station for Bingley Manor where I found a gig awaiting me. A sharp drive of half an hour and I was at the mansion door. Dr. McDougal was right. There was little the matter with old Mrs. Gordon, but the family were nervous and rich, hence my visit.

I did what was necessary for the patient, comforted the rest by my presence, had a sound night's rest, an early breakfast, a pleasant drive in the fresh frosty air, and a brief wait of five minutes when the punctual train came up. There is something inexpressibly delightful in a ride

on a sharp frosty morning in an express train. I have always felt a wild bounding sensation of joy in rapid motion. The pace at which we went that morning was exceptionally charming. Had I known that the engine driver was intoxicated, perhaps it might not have been quite so exhilarating, but I did not know that. I sat comfortably in my corner thinking of Edith

and gazing with placid benignity at the frosted trees and bushes which sparkled in the red wintry sun. Yes, it was a glorious ride. I never had a better. The part of the country through which we passed was lovely. One can always gaze comfortably at the distant landscape from a railway carriage, however great the speed. As for the immediate foreground, it reminded me of a race. Houses, trees, farms, towns, villages, hamlets, horses, sheep, cattle, poultry, hayricks, brickfields,

were among the competitors in that race. They rushed in mad confusion to the rear. I exulted in the pace. Not so a stout elderly gentleman in the opposite. direction who evidently disliked it so true is it that one man's meat is another's poison there's no reason to fear sir said i with a smile by way of reassuring him this is a most excellently managed line one never hears of accidents on it too fast just now anyhow returned the elderly gentleman testily just then the whistle was heard sounding violent That's a sign of safety, said I, shows they are on the alert. A severe application of the brakes caused me to stop abruptly in the elderly man to seize the

arms of his seat with a convulsive grasp. Suddenly there was a mighty crash. The sensations in my mind that followed were suggestive of cannons, rockets, bombs, fireworks, serpents, shooting stars, and tumbling debris. Then, all, was dark and silent as the grave. End of chapter 12. Chapter 13 of My Doggy and I by Robert Ballantyne. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Alison Hester.

Chapter 13, A Wonderful Discovery. Slowly recovering consciousness, I found myself lying on the floor of a waiting room, with a gentleman bending over me. Instantly recollecting what had occurred, I endeavored to start up, but was obliged to fall back again. You must lie quiet, sir, said the gentleman. You're not much hurt. We will send you on if you choose by the train that is expected in a few minutes.

Is the elderly gentleman safe? I asked eagerly. Which elderly gentleman? There were several in the train, but none are injured, I believe, though some are much shaken. Nobody has been killed. It has been quite a miraculous escape. merciful, call it merciful, dear sir, said I, looking upwards and thanking God with all my heart for sparing my life. Two days after that, I lay on the drawing-room sofa in Hoboy Crescent. Mr. and Mrs. McTugel had gone out. So had the children, the forenoon being fine. Edith had remained at home for reasons which she did not see fit to divulge. She sat beside me with one of her hands in mine. It was all arranged.

between us by that time. Edith, said I, after a short pause in our conversation, I have long wanted to tell you about a dear little old lady with whom Robin Slyder and I have had much to do. She's one of my poor patients, whom I have not mentioned to you before, but I've heard something about her lately, which makes me wish to ask you your advice, perhaps your aid, and a rather curious search,

which I've been engaged in for a long time past. I will go for my work, John, and you shall tell me all about it, she replied rising. I shall be five or ten minutes in preparing it. Can you wait patiently? Well, I'll try, though of course it will be like a separation of five or ten years, but Domps and I will solace each other in your absence. By the way, touch the bell as you pass. I should like to see Robin, not having had a talk with him since the accident. When Robin appeared, I asked him if he had seen the slager. No, sir, I haven't, replied Robin with a somewhat cross look.

That there, slager has played me faults these two times. Leastwise, though he couldn't help it the first time. He's got to clear himself about the second. You know where the slager lives, don't you? I asked. Oh, yes, but it's a long, long way off, and I dursn't go without leave. And since you was blowed up in the train, I've scarce out a word with the doctor. He's been busy through having your patience on his hands as well as his own. Well, Robin, I give you leave to go. Be off this very hour and see that you bring me back some good news.

Now that we have reason to believe the poor girl is in London, perhaps near us, I cannot rest until we find her, or prove the scent to have been a false one. Away with you. as the boy went out edith came back with her work basket i've been thinking said i as she sat down on a stool beside me that before beginning my story it would be well that you should unburden your dear little heart of that family secret of yours which you thought at first was a sufficient bar to our union but before you begin let me solemnly assure you that your revelations whatever they are will utterly fail to move me. Though you should declare yourself to be the daughter of a thief, a costermonger, or a chimpanzee monkey,

though you should profess yourself to have been a charwoman, a foundling, a Billingsgate fishwoman, or a female mountebank, my feelings and resolves will remain the same. Sufficient for me to know that you are you and that you are mine.

There, go on. Truly then, if such be your feelings, there is no need of my going on, or even beginning, she replied with a smile, and yet with a touch of sadness in her tone, which made me grasp her hand. Ah, Edith, I didn't mean to hurt you by my jesting, and yet the spirit of what I say is true, absolutely true. You did not hurt me, John. You merely brought to my remembrance a great sorrow and your great sorrow, I exclaimed.

and surprised, gazing at her smooth young face. Yes, my great sorrow, and I was going to add my loss, but you shall hear. I have no family mystery to unfold. All that I wished you to know on that head was that I am without a family altogether. All are dead. I have no relation on earth, not one. She said this with such deep pathos, while tears filled her eyes, that I could not have uttered a word of comfort to save my life.

And, she continued, I am absolutely penniless. These two points at first made me repel you, at least until I had explained them to you. Now that you look upon them as such trifles, I need say no more. But the loss to which I have referred is, I fear, irreparable. You won't think me selfish or tiresome if I go back. to an early period of my history? Selfish, tiresome, I repeated. Oh, Edith.

Well then, many years ago, my father and mother lived by the seashore, not far from Yarmouth. They were poor. My father gave lessons in French. My mother taught music, but they earned sufficient to support themselves, and my grandmother and me in comfort. We were a very happy family, for we all loved God. and tried to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. I gave them, indeed, a great deal of trouble at first, but he overcame my stubborn heart at last,

and then there was nothing to mar the happiness of our lives. But sickness came. My father died. My mother tried to struggle on for a time, but could not earn enough. I tried to help her by teaching, but had myself need of being taught. At last we changed our residence, in hopes of getting more remunerative employment.

But in this, we failed. Then my mother fell sick and died. She stopped at this point. Oh, Edith, this makes you doubly dear, said I, drawing her nearer to me. In a few minutes, she continued. Being left alone now with my grandmother, I resolved to go to London and try to find employment in the great city. We had not been long here,

and I had not yet obtained employment when an extraordinary event occurred which has ever since embittered my life. I went out for a walk one day and was robbed. How strange! I exclaimed, half rising from the sofa. What a curious coincidence. What? How? What do you mean?

She asked, looking at me in surprise. Never mind just now. When I come to tell you my story, you'll understand. There is a robbery of a young girl in it, too. Go on. Well, then, as I said, I was robbed by a man and a boy. I had dear little Pompeii with me at the time, and that is the way I came to lose him. But the terrible thing was that an accident befell me just after I was robbed, and I never saw my darling grandmother again.

Coincidence! I exclaimed, starting up, as a sudden thought was forced upon my mind and my heart began to beat violently. This is more than a coincidence, and yet it cannot be. Poo! Impossible! Ridiculous! My mind is wandering. I sank back, somewhat exhausted, for I had been considerably weakened by my accident. Edith was greatly alarmed at my words and looks and blamed herself for having talked too much to me in my comparison. careatively weak condition. No, you have not talked too much to me. You cannot do that, dear Eadie, I said. It was now her turn to look bewildered. Eadie, she echoed. Why, why do you call me Eadie?

I covered my eyes with my hand that she might not see their expression. There can be no doubt now, I thought, but why the name of Blythe? Then allow. It is a pretty contraction for Edith, is it not? Don't you like it? Like it? Yes. Oh, how much, but, but... Well, Edy, I said, laying powerful restraint on myself and looking her calmly in the face. You must bear with me tonight. You know that weakness sometimes causes men to act unaccountably. Forgive me for interrupting you. I won't do it again, as the naughty boys say. go on dear with your story i once more covered my eyes with my hand as if to shade them from the light and listened though i could scarcely conceal my agitation the name of edie she continued

is that by which my darling granny always called me and it sounded so familiar yet so strange coming from your lips but after all it is a natural abbreviation well as i said an act Accident befell me. I had burst away from the thieves in a state of wild horror and was attempting to rush across a crowded thoroughfare when a cab knocked me down. I felt a sharp pang of pain, heard a loud shout, and then all was dark. On recovering, I found myself lying in one of the beds of a hospital. My collarbone had been broken, and I was very feverish, scarcely understood where I was, and felt a duller. I was. I felt a duller. I was. sense of oppression on my brain. They spoke to me and asked my name. I don't remember distinctly how I pronounced it, but I recollect being somewhat amused at their misunderstanding what I said and calling me Miss Eva Bright. I felt too ill to correct them at the time, and afterwards became so accustomed to Eva, for I was a very long time there that I did not think it worthwhile to correct the mistake. This was very foolish and unfortunate, for long afterwards when I began to get

well enough to think coherently and sent them to let Granny know where I was, they of course went with the name of Eva Bright. It was very stupid, no doubt, but I was so weak and listless after my long and severe illness that this never once occurred to me. As it turned out, however, there would have been no difference in the result, for my darling had left her lodging and gone no one knew where. This terrible news brought on a relapse, and for many weeks, I believe, my life hung on a thread, but that thread was in the hand of God, and I had no fear. What is the name, Edie, of the grandmother you have lost? I asked in a low, tremulous voice. Willis, but why do you start so. Now I am quite sure you have been more severely hurt than you imagine, and that my talking so much

is not good for you. No, Edy, no, go on, I said firmly. I have little more to tell, she continued. Dr. McDougal had attended me in the hospital and took a fancy to me. When I was well enough to leave, he took me home to be governess to his children, but my situation has been an absolute sinecure. as yet, for he says I am not strong enough to work and won't let me do anything. It was not till after I had left the hospital that I told my kind friend the mistake that had been made about my name and about my lost grandmother. He has been very kind about that and assisted me greatly at first in my search for her. But there are so many, so many people of the name of Willis in London, and old ladies too.

We called together on so many that he got tired of it at last. Of course, I wrote to various people at York and to the place where we had lived before going there, but nothing came of it. And now my hopes have long ago died out, that is to say, almost, but I still continue to make empiries. She paused here for some time,

and I did not move or speak, being so stunned by my discovery that I knew not what to say and feared to reveal the truth to Edith too suddenly. Then I knew by the gentle way in which she moved that she thought I had fallen asleep. I was glad of this and remained quietly thinking. There was no doubt in my mind that Edie Blythe was this long-lost granddaughter of old Mrs. Willis, but the name still remained an insoluble mystery. Edie, said I abruptly. Is your name Blythe? Of course it is, she said and startled surprise. Why should you doubt it?

I don't doubt it, said I. But I'm sorely puzzled. Why is it not Willis? Why? exclaimed Edie with a little laugh. Because I am the daughter of Granny Willis's daughter, not of her son. My father's name was Blythe. The simplicity of this explanation. and my gross stupidity in quietly assuming from the beginning, as a matter of course, that the lost Edie's name was the same as her grandmother's, burst upon me in its full force. The delusion had been naturally perpetuated by Mrs. Willis, never speaking of her lost darling, except by her Christian name. For a few seconds, I was silent. Then I exploded in almost a hysterical bit of laughter, in the midst of which I was interrupted by the same.

sudden entrance of my doggy, who had returned from a walk with Robin, and began to gamble round his mistress, as if he had not seen her for years. Oh, sir, I say, I've discovered all about. Little Slider had rushed excitedly into the room, but stopped abruptly on observing Miss Blythe, who was looking from him to me with intense surprise. Before another word could be said, a servant entered. Please, Miss Blythe, Dr. McTougal wishes to see you in his study. She left us at once.

Now, Robin, said I with emphasis, sit down on that chair opposite me, and let's hear all about it. The excited boy obeyed, and Dumps, leaping on another chair beside him, sat down to listen, with ears erect, as if he knew what was coming.

Oh, sir, you never! Such a go, began Robin, rubbing his hand together, slowly as he spoke. The slogger, He twigged her at once. You'll open your eyes so wide You'll never get him shut again when you hear's. No, I never did see such a lark.

Edie's found. I've seen her. She ain't the queen. Oh no, nor yet one of the queen's daughters. By no means, nor yet a duchess. Oh, dear, no, though she's like one. Who do you think she is? But you'll never guess.

I'll try, said I with a quiet smile. for I had subdued myself that time. Try away then. Who? Miss Edith Blythe? On hearing this, Little Sliders' eyes began to open and glisten till they outshone his own buttons.

Why, however did you come to guess it? Gasp the boy on recovering himself. I did not guess it. I found it out. Do you suppose that nobody can find out things except sloggers and pages and buttons? Oh, sir, do tell, entreated the boy. I did tell, and after we had each told each other all that we knew,

we mentally hugged ourselves and grew so facetious over it that we began to address dumps personally to that intelligent creature's intense satisfaction. Now, Robin, said I, we must break this very cautiously to the old lady and Miss Blythe. Oh, and of course, very cautious. assented the urchin with inconceivable earnestness. Well then, off you go and fetch my great coat. We'll go visit Miss Willis at once.

At once, echoed Robin as he ran out of the room with blazing cheeks and sparkling eyes. Lily, said Dr. McDougall as Edith entered his consulting room, I'm just off to see a patient who is very ill, and there is another who is not quite so ill, but who also wants to see me. I'll send you to the latter, as my female assistant, if you will go. Her complaint is chiefly mental. In fact, she needs comfort more than physic, and I know of no one who is comparable to you in that line.

Can you go? Certainly, with pleasure, I'll go at once. Her name, said the doctor, is Willis. By the way, that reminds me of your loss, dear girl. He continued in a lower tone as he gently took her hand. But I would not again arouse your hopes. You know how many old women of this name we have seen without finding her. Yes, I know too well, returned poor Edith, while the tears gathered in her eyes.

I have long ago given up all hope. But notwithstanding her statement, Edith had not quite given way to despair. In spite of herself, her heart fluttered a little as she sped on this mission to the abode of another old Mrs. Willis. End of Chapter 13. Chapter 14 of My Doggy and I by Robert Ballanty. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Allison Hester. Chapter 14, the last. When Robin and I reached the abode of our old friend in a state, let me add, of almost irrepressible excitement, we found her seated in the old arm chair by the window, gazing sad, out on the prospect. It was not now the prospect of red brick and water spout with a remote

distance of chimney, cans and cats, which had crushed the old lady's spirit in other days by no means. There was a picturesque little court with an old pump in the center to awaken the fancy and frequent visits from more or less diabolical street boys to excite the imagination. Beyond that, there was the muse in which a lively scene of variance between horses and men was enacted for morning till night, a scene which derived much additional charm from the fact that Mrs. Willis, being short-sighted, formed fearfully incorrect estimates of men and beasts and things in general. Well, Granny, how are you? said I, seating myself on a stool beside her and thinking how I should begin. Pretty Griggy, eh? inquired little slider. Ah, there you are, my dear boys, said the old lady, who had latterly got to look upon me and my

protege as brothers. You are always sure to come, whoever fails me. Has anyone failed you today, Granny? I asked. Yes, Dr. McTugel has. She replied as petulantly as it was possible for her to speak. I've been feeling very low and weak today and sent for him, but I suppose he thinks it's only imagination. Well, perhaps it is. She added after a pause, and with a little sigh, I'm very foolish, no doubt. No, granny, said I, you are not foolish. Contrary wise, very much the reverse, interrupted Slider. And I'm glad that I'm glad that I chance to come in because perhaps I may be able to prescribe for you as well as he better dear boy better that's it cheer up from slider and it always does me a world of good to see your handsome face well granny said I with a flutter at my heart as I looked up at her thin careworn face and began to break the ice with a caution. I've come. I, there's a little piece of, of, now then, dig in the spurs, doctor,

and go at it, neck or nothing, murmured my impatient companion. What are you saying, Robin? asked Mrs. Willis with a slightly anxious look. There's nothing wrong, I hope. No, no, nothing wrong, Granny, said I, hastening to the point. Very much the reverse, but you heard of my accident, of course, I said, suddenly losing heart and beating around the bush. Stuck again, murmured Slider and a tone of disgust. Yes, yes, I heard of it. You don't mean to say you're getting worse, said the old lady with increasing anxiety. Oh no, I'm better, much better. Indeed, I don't think I've ever felt so well. in my life, and I've just heard a piece of good news, which I'm quite sure will make you

very glad. Very glad indeed. Go it, sir, another burst like that, and you'll be clear out of the wood, murmured Slider. In fact, said I, as a sudden thought struck, I'm going to be married. Woo, you never told me that, exclaimed Slider with widening eyes. will you be quiet robin said i rather sternly how can i get over this very difficult matter if you go on interrupting me so m'm's the word returned the boy folding his hands and assuming a look of ridiculous solemnity at that moment we heard a noise of pattering feet on the landing outside the door which had not been properly closed burst open and my doggie came into the room all of a heap After a brief moment, lost and apparently searching for his hind legs, he began to dance and frisk about the room as if all his limbs were whalebone and his spirit Quicksilver. Oh, there's that dog again. Put it out! Put it out! cried Mrs. Willis, gathering her old skirts around her feet.

Get out, dumps! How dare you come here, sir, without leave! I gave him leave, said a sweet voice in the passage, Next moment, a sweeter face was smiling upon me as Edith entered the room. There was a feeble cry at the window. I observed that the sweet smile vanished and a deadly pallor overspread Edith's face, while her eyes gazed with eager surprise at the old lady for a few seconds. Mrs. Willis sat with an answering gaze and outstretched arms. Eadie! Granny!

was all that either could gasp, but there was no need for more. The lost ones were mutually found. With an indescribable cry of joy, Edith sprang forward, fell on her knees, and enfolded her granny in her arms. Here you are, doctor, whispered Robin, touching me on the elbow and presenting a tumbler of water. How? What? She'll need it, doctor. I knows her well, and it's the only thing as does her good, when she took bad. Slider was right. The shock of joy was almost too much for the old lady. She leaned heavily on her granddaughter's neck, and if I had not caught her, both must have fallen to the ground. We lifted her gently into bed, and in a few minutes she recovered. For some time she lay perfectly still. Edith, reclining on the lowly couch, rested her fair young cheek on the

withered old one. presently Mrs. Willis moved and Edith sat up. John, said the former to me looking at the latter. This is my Eity, thanks be to the Lord. Yes, Granny, I know it, and she's my Ety too. A surprised and troubled look came on her old face. She evidently was pained to think that I could jest at such a moment. I hasten to relieve her.

It is the plain and happy truth that I tell you, Granny. Edith is engaged to marry me. Is it not so? I turned towards the dear girl who silently put one of her hands in mind. Old Mrs. Willis spoke no word, but I could see that her soul was full of joy. I chanced to glance at Robin and observe that the waif had retired to the window,

and was absolutely wiping his eyes, while Dumps sat observant in the middle of the room, evidently much surprised at, but not much pleased with, the sudden calm which had succeeded the outburst. Come, Robin, said I, rising, I think that you and I will leave them. Goodbye, Granny and Eadie.

I shall see you again soon. I paused at the door and looked back. Come, Dumps, come. my doggy wagged his scrumpy tail, cocked his expressive ears, and glanced from me to his mistress, but did not rise. Pompeii prefers to remain with me, said Edie. Let him stay. Punch is a wise dog, observed Robin as we descended the stairs together. But you don't ought to let your spirits go down, sir, he added with a profoundly sagacious glance. Because, of course, he can't have.

help himself now. He'll have to stick to whatever happens and to me too. I understood the meaning of his last words and could not help smiling at the presumptuous certainty with which he assumed that he was going to follow my fortunes. It is needful to say that when I mentioned what had occurred to Dr. McTugel, that amiable little man opened his eyes to their widest. You young dog, he exclaimed, it grateful in you to repay all my kindness by robbing me in this sly manner of my governess? Nay, I may say, of my daughter, for I have long ago considered her such, and adopted her in my heart. It was not done slylyly, I assure you, said I. Indeed, I fought against the catastrophe with

all my might, but I couldn't help it at last. It came upon me. as it were unexpectedly took me by surprise. Hum, ejaculated the doctor. Besides, I added, you can scarcely call it robbery for not you and I united as partners, so that instead of robbing you, I have, in reality, created another bond of union between you and Edy? Hmm, said the doctor.

Moreover, I continued, it happens most opportunely just now that the house opposite this one is to let. It is a much smaller and lower-rented house than this and admirably suited for a very small family, so that if I secure it, we will scarcely, I may say, have to quit your roof. Ah, to be sure, returned the doctor falling in with my humor. We will have the pleasure of overlooking and criticizing each other and our respective households.

We may sit at the windows and converse across the street in fine weather, or flatten our noses on the glass and make faces at each other when the weather is bad. Besides, we can have a tunnel cut under the street and thus have subterranean communications at any time of the day or night. And what a charming place that would be for the children to romp in. Of course, we would require to have it made of bricks or a cast iron to prevent the rats connecting it with the sewers, but... A breeze of pattering feet overhead induced the doctor to pause.

It increased to a gale on the staircase, to a tempest in the lobby. The door was burst open, and Jack and Harry and Job and Jenny and Dolly, with blazing cheeks and eyes, tumbled tumultuously into the room. Oh, Papa! screamed Harry. Lily's been out and found her mother! No, it's not. It's her gam-mother, shrieked Dolly. Yes, and Dr. Millen's going to marry her, cried Jenny. Who? The grandmother? asked the doctor with a surprised look.

No, Lily, they all cried with a shout of laughter, which Jack checked by stoutly asserting that it was her great-grandmother that Lily had found. This drew an emphatic, no, it's not. from Job and a firmly reiterated assertion that it was only her grandmother from Dolly. But Robin said so, cried Jack. No, he didn't, said Job. Yes, he did, cried Harry. Wobin says she's found her grandmother, said Dolly. I'll go and ask him, cried Jenny, and turning around she rushed out of the room. The others faced about as one child and the tempest swept back into the lobby, moderated to a gale on the staircase, and was reduced to a breeze afterwards to a temporary calm overhead. Before it burst forth again, the doctor and I had put on our hats and left the house.

From that date forward, for many weeks, the number of lost grandmothers that were found in the MacTougal Nursery surpasses belief. They were discovered in all sorts of places and in all imaginable circumstances, under beds, tables, upturned baths and basin stands, in closets, trunks, in cupboards, and always in a condition of woeful weakness and melancholy destitution. The part of grandmother was invariably assigned to Dolly, because, although the youngest of the group, that little creature possessed a power of acting and of self-control which none of the others could equal. At first, they were careful to keep as close to the original event as possible, but after a time, thirsting for variety, they became

lax, and the grandmothers were found not only by granddaughters, but by daughters and cousins and nieces and nephews. But the play never varied in the points of extreme poverty and woe, because Dolly refused with invincible determination to change or modify her part. After a time, they varied the performance with a wedding in which innumerable Dr.

Melons were united to endless Lily Blides. But after the real wedding took place and the cake had been utterly consumed, they returned to their first love, lost and found, as they termed it, or the

Gan Mover's play. So, in course of time, the house over the way was actually taken and furnished. Edie was installed therein as empress. I, as her devoted slave, when not otherwise engaged, and to say the truth, even when I was otherwise engaged, I always managed to leave my heart at home. Anatomists may, perhaps, be puzzled by this statement. If so, let them be puzzled. Gan Mover was also installed as Queen Daughter

in a suite of apartments consisting of one room and a closet. It was not in Dr. McTugel's nursery alone that the game of Lost and Found was played. In a little school room not far distant from our abode, that game was played by Eadie, assisted by Robin Slyder and myself, with considerable success. Robin crossed the street to me, came over, as it were, with Edith, the conqueror, and our doggy, and afterwards became a most

valuable ally in searching for, drawing forth, tempting out, and gathering in the lost. He and I sought for them in some of the lowest slums of London. Robin's knowledge of their haunts and ways, and his persuasive voice, had influence where none but himself, or someone like him, could have made any impression. We tempted them to our little hall with occasional feasts, in which buns, oranges, raisins, gingerbread, and tea played prominent parts, and when we had gathered them in, Edith came to them, like an angel of light, and preached to them the gospel of Jesus, at once by example, tone, look, and word. Among others who came to our little social meetings was the slager. that unpunished criminal not only launched with apparently heart and soul into the good cause but he was the means of inducing many others to come and when in after years his old comrade mr brassy returned from his enforced residence in foreign parts the slager sought for and found him and stuck to him with the pertinacity of his bulldog nature until he fairly brought him in thus that good work went on

with us. Thus it is going on at the present time in many, many parts of our favored land, and thus it will go on with God's blessing until his people shall all be gathered into the fold of the good shepherd. Until that day, when the puzzlements and bewilderments of this incomprehensible life shall be cleared up, when we shall be unable to understand why man has been so long permitted to dwell in the midst of conflicting good and evil, and why he has been required to live on earth by faith and not by sight, trusting in the unquestionable goodness and wisdom of him, who is our life and our light.

In all our work, whether temporal or spiritual, we had the help and powerful sympathy of our friend Dr. McDougall and his family, also of his friend Dobson, the cityman, who was a strong, man in more ways than one, and a zealous champion of righteousness, or rightness, as he was fond of calling it, in contradistinction to wrongness. I meant to let fall the curtain at this point, but something which I cannot explain induces me to keep it up a few minutes longer in order to tell you that the little McTugals grew up to be splendid men and women, that dear old Granny is still alive and well, insomuch that she bids fair to become a serene centenarian, that my sweet

edie is now fair, fat, and forty, that I am gray and hearty, that dumps is grayer and so fat, as well as stiff, that he wags his ridiculous tail with the utmost difficulty, that brassy and the slogger have gone into partnership in the green grocery line round the corner, and that Robin Slyder is no longer a boy, but has become a man and a butler. He is still in our service and declares that he will never leave it. My firm conviction is that he will keep his word as long as he can. So now, amiable reader, with regret and the best of wishes, we make our final bow-wow and bid you goodbye, my doggy and I. End of chapter 14

and end of My Doggy and I by Robert Valentine.