Claire read his look of inquiry, and said: "Mr.Brice found Bobby Burns, this afternoon, and brought him home to me.

It was nice of him, wasn't it?
For it took him ever so far out of his way." Gavin noted that she made no mention of his having come to the Standish home by way of the hidden path.

It seemed to him that she gave him a glance of covert appeal, as though beseeching him not to mention it.

He nodded, ever so slightly, and took up the narrative, as she paused for words.
"I saw Miss Standish and yourself, at Miami, this morning," said he, "and the collie, here, on the back seat of your car.
Then, this afternoon, as I was walking out in this direction, I saw the dog again.

I recognized him, and I guessed he had strayed.