he man shrugged his shoulders. "Where is your yellow dog?" he asked.

"I have none," returned Gabriel, "but I have business at the palace."

The man laughed down at the shabby figure of the country lad. "And don't
know where it is? Well, Follow your nose. You are on the right road."

Gabriel sped along and he was indeed much nearer than he had supposed; for
very soon he met a sorry-faced man with a yellow dog in his arm; then
another; then another; and in fact he could trace his way to the palace by
the procession of men, women, and children, all returning, and each one
carrying a yellow dog and chattering or grumbling according to the height
from which his hopes had been dashed.

When Gabriel reached the palace gates he saw that there were plenty more
applicants waiting inside the grounds. The boy had never realized how many
varying sizes and shades of yellow dogs there were in the world.

The guard had received orders to deny entrance to no person who presented a
gold-colored dog for examination, but Gabriel was empty-handed and the
guard frowned upon him.

"I wish to see the princess," said the boy.

"I dare say," replied the guard. "Be off."

"But I wish to tell her about a golden dog."

"Can't you see that we are half buried in golden dogs?" returned the guard
crossly.

"No, sir. I have seen none but yellow dogs since I drew near this place. I
have a tale to tell the princess."

The guard could not forbear laughing at this simplicity. "Do you suppose
ragamuffins like you approach her highness?" he returned. "A dog's tail is
the only sort she is interested in to-day. See the chamberlain yonder. He
is red with fatigue. He is choosing such of the lot as are worthy to be
looked at by the princess, and should he see you demanding audience and
with no dog to show, it will go hard with you. Be off!" and the guard's
gesture was one to be obeyed.

Gabriel withdrew quietly; but he was not daunted. The princess would,
perhaps, grow weary and drive out. At any rate there was nothing to do
except watch for her. He looked at the splendid palace and gardens and
wondered if Topaz had ever raced about there. Then he wondered what the dog
was doing now; but this thought must be put away, because it made Gabriel's
eyes misty, and he must watch, watch.

At last his patient vigil was rewarded. A splendid coach drawn by
milk-white horses appeared in the palace grounds.

Gabriel's heart beat fast. He knew he must act quick