He could not believe this dear new friend meant to desert him.

As Brice did not stop, nor even look back, the collie waxed doubtful.

And he tugged to be free.

Claire spoke gently to him, a slight quiver in her own voice, her dark eyes, like his, fixed upon the dwindling dark speck on the dusky white road.
"No, Bobby!" she said, under her breath, as she petted the restless head.

"He won't come back.