fore
writing to you. I have owned dogs for a great many years and of many
breeds and temperaments; but never, in the whole of my experience, have I
come across any dog as nervous as this one: it is pitiful to see him.
Even my old dog's presence does not help him; and really, so far, I have
been able to make nothing of him. Perhaps he may get better; but I almost
doubt it. I wonder if, without you knowing it yourself, the dog has been
cruelly treated. I keep looking at him and wondering, for I cannot,
somehow, link this dog lying in front of me, and never closing his eyes,
with the description you wrote of him. The journey would not account for
it. However, we must hope for the best."

To this came answer:

"In face of what you tell me of the dog, I cannot of course accept
your cheque, and therefore return it. But do please keep the dog
for a month or six weeks, or as long as you like, and write to me
again then. I assure you the dog is a _good_ dog. Perhaps his
surroundings are strange to him. They must be. The old dog will
help him to come round, I feel sure."

A few days later the door opened, and a stranger was announced. Murphy
was on the hearthrug, as usual; the canvas and easel had been banished to
a corner, and an effort was being made to accustom Murphy to the clicking
of a typewriter--a sound concerning which he was evidently doubtful.

"Ah, Murphy; you're a nice dog, aren't you?" The dog had gone to the
door, and the great figure of the Over-Lord was stooping to notice him.
"I always like to see where my dogs go, if possible," he added; "and I
wanted to hear from you, as well as to see for myself, what was the
matter, for this is a good dog--a nice dog: I know he is. He'll come all
right. Just please give him time; and then, if you don't like him, send
him back. He is as good a dog--gentle, you know, gentle--as I've bred.
Why, I can assure you, I refused (mentioning several hundred pounds)--I
refused that sum for a pair of his relations, only last year; so you will
judge he is well enough in the matter of class."

"Why did you refuse? Most people would have jumped at such an offer."

"Well--I'll tell you. I didn't like the man's face that wanted them;
nothing else: I always like to see where my dogs go and the people they
go to; and, after getting your letter, I determined to make the journey
here, as soon as ever I could get the time. He's a nice dog; a good
dog--I'm sure of it."

"You don