ncess were clasped tightly as she listened. "You called
him Topaz," she said, when the boy had finished. "I called him Goldilocks.
Ah, if it should be the same! If it should!"

"Surely there are not two dogs in the world so beautiful," said Gabriel.

"That is what I say to myself," responded the princess.

"Had he been less wonderful, your highness, he would be safe now, for I
should have kept him. He loved me," said Gabriel simply.

"You are an honest boy," replied the princess gratefully, "and I will make
you glad of it whether Topaz turns out to be Goldilocks or not. But you say
he danced with so much grace?"

"Yes, your highness, and tossed his head for glee till his curls waved
merrily."

"'Tis the same!" cried the princess, in a transport. "His eyes _are_ like
topazes. Your name is the best. He shall have it. Ah, he has slept in a
shed and eaten cold scraps! My Goldilocks!"

"Yes, your highness, and would be glad to do so still; for he fears his
dark-browed master, and dances with such trembling you would not know him
again."

"Ah, cruel boy, cease! Take me to him at once. Show my men the spot where
you left him."

"Your highness must use great care, for if once the organ-grinder suspects
that you are searching for him, no one will ever again see the golden dog;
for the man will fear to be found with him."

"You are right. I can send out men with orders to examine every hand-organ
in the city."

"If they were quiet enough it might be done, but I have a better plan."

"You may speak," returned the princess.

"When we are alone, your highness," said Gabriel; and the lady-in-waiting
was so amazed at such effrontery that she forgot to use her salts.

"To the palace," ordered the princess.

Lady Gertrude gave the order.

"Does your highness intend to take this--this person to the palace?" she
inquired.

"I do. He loves my dog, and therefore I would give more for his advice at
this time than for that of the Lord High Chamberlain."

"Then I have nothing more to say," returned the Lady Gertrude, leaning back
among the cushions; and this was cheering news to her companions.

What was the astonishment of the guard to see the coach return, still
carrying the rustic lad, who sat so composedly beside the princess, and
dismounted with her at the palace steps.

Once within, nothing was too fine for Gabriel. A gentleman-in-waiting was
set to serve him in an apartment, which made the boy pinch himself to ma