At length one morning, in her wrath,
She gave poor Nell a cruel blow,
And bade her join that yelping cur,
And with him, begging, henceforth go.

The child fled screaming to the street,
Where Tray in ambush always lay;
He leaped upon her with delight,
But Nelly pushed her friend away.

"Oh, Tray!" she said, "you hurt my arm,"
--The arm she struck--"Oh, how it aches."
And in her little trembling hand
The fallen arm she shrinking takes.

Tray at his little mistress looks,
With thoughtful eyes and wagging tail;
Then seems as if he understood
Why Nelly screamed and looked so pale.

With a loud bark he seizes then
The little maiden's ragged gown,
And pulls her rapidly along,
Down to the busy crowded town.

At length the hospital they reach,
Where Tray before found kindly aid,
And Nelly is dragged quickly in,
Though trembling now and much afraid.

He drew her to the doctors' room,
And straight up to his former friend;
With wistful eyes and bark that asks,
"Will you to this poor child attend?"

"Why, what is it?" the surgeon cries;
"Another patient do you bring?
A child, too--speak, poor little one,
Can we for you do anything?"

Then Nelly, sobbing, shows her arm.
"'Tis broken!" all the doctors say.
They set it, and then call a nurse--
For Nelly in the house must stay.

Soon in a snowy little bed
The suffering child is snugly laid.
Ah! what a change from the bare loft,
Where in the dark and cold she stayed.

And dainty food is to her brought;
While gentle words and tender smiles
Soothe the slow hours of burning pain,
And pity half her grief beguiles.

[Illustration]

Yet the nurse sees an anxious look
In the wide eyes of loveliest blue,
And asks what troubles Nelly still--
What more for her they all can do.

"Oh! please," said Nelly, "do not think
I am not happy--you're too good;
I never was in such a room,
I never tasted such nice food.

"Only--I do so want to know
What has become of old dog Tray,
Who brought me here--my only friend--
Where is he gone?--oh, tell me, pray."

"My darling," said the smiling nurse,
"Your clever dog is safe and well;
The doctor who lives in the house
Has found a place w