"I shall come at my first opportunity." "Good-bye." "Good-bye." Down at the farmhouse, in the black quiet of the night, a dog lay curled on the door-mat.

Of a sudden the tail of this dog began to thump, thump, on the boards.

It began as a lazy movement, but it passed into a state of gentle enthusiasm, and then into one of curiously loud and joyful celebration.

At last the gate clicked.

The dog uncurled, and went to the edge of the steps to greet his master.