g or steal from
the farmyards and houses near. Mossoo was left behind. Crouched on the
ground, with his nose between his paws, he kept a watchful eye on
Seraminta, who was busying herself with the child. She was going to
make her "so as her own mother wouldn't know her." And first with a
piece of rag she smeared over her pretty white skin with some dark juice
out of a bottle; next she took off the little frock and underclothes
which Maggie had always kept so neatly, and put on her a frock and
petticoat of stiff striped stuff. Then she proceeded to remove the one
little clog, but this baby resented. She had been quiet till now, and
allowed her things to be changed without resistance, but this last
indignity was too much. She fought, and kicked, and cried, and pushed
at the woman with her tiny hands. Poor baby! They were far too small
and weak to be of any use. In no time the friendly little clog, with
its glistening clasp and bright toe, was gone, and in its place there
was an ugly broken-out boot which had once belonged to Bennie. Her work
done, Seraminta put the child on the ground and gave her a hard crust to
play with. Baby immediately threw it from her with all her strength,
cast herself flat on her face, and shrieked with anger and distress.
She was heartbroken to have the clog taken from her, and cried as
violently for it as she had done for mammy.

"You've got a fine temper of yer own, my young queen," said Seraminta,
looking down at the small sobbing form. She did not attempt to quiet
her, but turning away proceeded to arrange some bundles in the cart
which stood at a short distance.

Mossoo was not so indifferent; he had watched the whole affair, and if
he did not understand why the baby cried, at least he knew she was in
trouble. True he had not seen a stick used, but here was the same
result. He went and sat down near her, and wagged his tail to show he
sympathised, but as she was lying on her face she did not even know he
was there, and the sobs continued. Finding this, Mossoo sat for some
time with his tongue hanging out, uncertain how to proceed, but
presently noticing a little bit of bare fat neck he gave it a gentle
lick. Baby turned her head; there were two bright eyes with pink rims
close to her, and a ragged fringe of dirty-white hair, and a red tongue
lolling out; she was so startled at this that she screamed louder than
ever, and hid her face again. Unsuccessful, but full of zeal