Should she die here, she wondered, alone! At the prospect a sob broke from her.
To poor Dick, who had crept up so close that he stood beside her, this was too much.

At the sound of her distress he was so overcome, he could no longer keep his feelings under restraint.

A bark broke from him, eager, coaxing, half frightened; then, repentant and ashamed, he thrust his hot nose into Huldah's hand, and licked it apologetically.
Weary, dead-beat as she was, Huldah sprang up into a sitting position.

"Dick!" she cried, "oh, Dick! How did you come here?
Oh, I am so glad, so glad!" and flinging her arms round his long yellow neck she burst into happy tears.

Dick was delighted.
Instead of being scolded, he was petted, and his little mistress was plainly glad to see him.