he heard the rising
wind complaining in the tall trees and shaking the water down upon him.
At that moment a star broke through the scudding masses of rolling
blackness--one kindly eye of light, and at the same instant something
touched his body with thrilling familiarity. He groped and felt in the
lower darkness, then--because he had never been taught to pray--Sandy
Morley bent his head over the wet and shaggy body of Bob, the collie,
and laughed and sobbed from sheer gratitude and joy!

Stealthily the faithful creature had followed his friend. Life had
taught him, even in his puppy days, to curb his inclinations. Where
Sandy was, there was always happiness, but it was generally seasoned
with danger, and Bob took no chances.

"Good dog! dear old fellow!"

Bob licked the caressing hands fondly. Never before had such
appreciation been shown him even by the one who was lavishly bestowing
it now; Bob did not seek to understand, he merely accepted and snuggled
closer.

Sandy knew a later parting with the dog was inevitable, but human
nature could not contemplate it then, so he bade Bob follow on and,
with regained courage and determination, the two plodded down The
Appointed Way with firmer tread. The shed was reached, and nestling
close in a protected corner, they slept for several hours with no dream
to disturb or frighten them. The storm passed; the stars shone out,
and a new moon crept up from the east. At four o'clock Sandy started
up and began the readjustment of life. Bob was lying across his legs
and breathing evenly. The warmth had been grateful even if the weight
had been a burden, and a sense of joy flooded the boy as he patted the
dear, faithful head.

A few minutes later the two were again on the road. Breakfast would
have been acceptable, but both boy and dog had learned that food was
not a vital necessity for the day's beginning. A cup of warming fluid
would have set Sandy up wonderfully, for his throat was sore and his
bones ached, but The Forge was not a great distance away and it was a
new sensation to have a pocket full of money.

"Bob, when we get there you and I will fill up--I swear it, Bob!"

The collie resented the oath. He was willing to share and share alike,
and between friends surely there was no need for such emphasis.

A soaked wood road on an early August morning is not a cheering place,
and the travellers plodded on with weakening limbs and heavy hearts.
Sandy comforted