But I soon found by the way they handled me and talked to me, that they knew a good deal about dogs, and were accustomed to treat them kindly.

It seemed very strange to have them pat me, and call me "good dog." No one had ever said that to me before to-day.
"He's not much of a beauty, is he ?" said one of the boys, whom they called Tom.
"Not by a long shot," said Jack Morris, with a laugh.

"Not any nearer the beauty mark than yourself, Tom." Tom flew at him, and they had a scuffle.

The other boys paid no attention to them, but went on looking at me.

One of them, a little boy with eyes like Miss Laura's, said, "What did Cousin Harry say the dog's name was ?" "Joe," answered another boy.