n,
and the present had been finally made, with all due ceremonies, and an
appropriate speech from Frans, which won great applause from the
auditors. Blackie then and there received his name, which he had ever
since retained, and to which he seemed willing to bring honour.

Nono had made his pet a rustic home of his own, and had resolved from
the first that Blackie should be something remarkable. Oke had
described to the boy the learned pigs about which he had read, and Nono
betook himself in earnest to the education of Blackie, and found his
efforts crowned with amazing success.

Karin had looked rather gloomy at first about piggie's being destined
to an exceptional career, but she relented when she saw what innocent
merriment he had introduced into the family. Jan was never too tired
to laugh as heartily as the boys to see Blackie giving his hard paw to
be shaken, or singing or scolding according to the words of command.
If the order were "Scold, Blackie!" he scolded to perfection in his
grunting way. If it were "Sing, Blackie!" he laid his head
sentimentally on one side, and gave a succession of shrill squeals that
brought forth from the listeners a glad round of applause. Blackie's
everyday dress was provided by nature, and was dusky of course, but
scrupulously brushed--a process which he evidently considered an
agreeable luxury.

Blackie had been taken to the yearly fair in a red flannel blanket
pointed at the edges, that an elephant might have been proud to wear if
it had suited his proportions. Nono had exhibited his pet thus
attired, and his accomplishments were so well rewarded that Karin
received in advance full pay for Blackie's winter accommodation, to
Nono's infinite satisfaction.

Nono had not thought of taking Blackie as a companion in his pedestrian
trip until he was passing the home of his pet, after bidding good-bye
to the elders of the family. The traveller had been suddenly struck
with the thought that Blackie might chance to serve instead of a long
purse for the exigencies of the journey, and it would be best to take
him, as private property, to supply the possible needs of the uncertain
future.

It may be that it had unconsciously seemed dreary to the little Italian
to start out into the great world alone, and that a four-footed friend
would be better than none. The plan promised to prove a good one; for
Blackie was a companion who, though he said little, required too much
attention f