CHAPTER III.
WHAT THE MORNING BROUGHT.
It was a very shaken, tremulous trio which stood and faced each other in the tiny kitchen, after they had locked and bolted the door.
Dick trembled with excitement and eagerness only, but Mrs.Perry was really frightened.
"But what of my poor hens!" she gasped, as Huldah poured out the adventures of the night.

"Will the thieves come back again?
What can I do?
There's twelve of them; I can't bring them all indoors, and yet--oh, poor dears, and they so tame, and knowing me so well.

I'd sooner see them all dead than in the hands of such men; and they'll be so frightened." "They're all safe enough, ma'am," said Huldah, consolingly.
"The thieves didn't as much as open the door before Dick was on them, and they won't be coming back here again in a hurry; they'll never feel sure but what Dick's under the wall waiting for them." Mrs.Perry bent down, and patted Dick's head gratefully.

It was the first time she had actually touched him.

"Good dog," she said, warmly.