's lunch had been
the more expensive of the two. Often and often he had fed well to the
embarrassment of his master's stomach. To-day he was to have
liver--his favourite dish. Upon this Lyveden was resolved.

The pair visited five restaurants and two public-houses in quest of
liver. At the eighth venture they were successful. At the sign of
_The Crooked Billet_ liver and bacon was the dish of the day. So much
a blurred menu was proclaiming from its enormous brass frame. Before
the two were half-way upstairs, the terrier's excitement confirmed its
tale.

Of the two portions, Patch consumed the liver and Anthony the bacon.
This was rather salt, but the zest with which the Sealyham ate
furnished a relish which no money could buy.

Then came a ghastly train journey. Mercifully Patch could not
understand....

A mile and a half from the station, the Dogs' Home stood in a pleasant
place under the lee of a wood. Fair meadows ringed it about, and in
the bright sunshine the red-brick house and out-buildings looked
cheerful and promising.

Slowly the two passed up the well-kept drive.

With his little white dog in his arms, Anthony Lyveden was shown
everything. A jolly fair-haired girl--the superintendent--conducted
him everywhere. The dogs--all sizes and shapes--welcomed her coming.
Of Patch she made a great deal.

"You must be very proud of him," she said to Anthony.

"I am. And--we're great friends. I hope he won't fret much."

"A little at first, probably. You'll be coming to see him?"

"Once a week, always," said Lyveden. "Oftener if I can."

Presently they returned to the office, where Anthony paid four guineas
and received a receipt. Patch was entered in a big book, together with
his age and description. Another column received his owner's name and
address. The girl hesitated.

"We like," she said, "to have the telephone number, in case of
accidents."

"I'll send it to you to-night."

The entry was blotted, and the girl rose. The formalities were at an
end.

Lyveden picked up his hat.

Patch greeted the familiar signal joyously. Clearly the call was over.
It had been a good visit--the best they had ever paid. No other place
they had been to was full of dogs. Yet to be out and about with his
master was better still. He leapt up and down, rejoicing.

Anthony caught him from one of his bounds, held the white scrap very
close and let him lick his nose. Then he bade him be a good do