Unconsciously he echoed the words of Mr.Matthews, "Poor Pete." The dog lifted his head and looked into the man's face, while his tail wagged a joyful greeting, and, as the man stooped to pat the animal and speak a few kind words, a beautiful smile broke over the delicate features of the youth.

Throwing himself upon the ground, he cried, "Come here, Brave"; and taking the dog's face between his hands, said in confidential tones, ignoring Mr.
Howitt's presence, "He's a good man, ain't he, brother ?" The dog answered with wagging tail.

"We sure like him, don't we ?" The dog gave a low bark.

"Listen, Brave, listen." He lifted his face to the tree tops, then turned his ear to the ground, while the dog, too, seemed to hearken.

Again that strange smile illuminated his face; "Yes, yes, Brave, we sure like him.