Page:Arthur Machen - The Hill of Dreams.djvu/135

THE HILL OF DREAMS into the hedge, and tried to peep through a gate into a field.

'Jackie, Jackie, Jackie!'

She came up to Lucian, sobbing as if her heart would break, and dropped him an old-fashioned curtsy.

'Oh, please sir, have you seen my little Jackie?'

'What do you mean?' said Lucian. 'What is it you've lost?'

'A little dog, please sir. A little tarrier dog with white hair. Father gave me him a month ago, and said I might keep him. Someone did leave the garden gate open this afternoon, and he must 'a got away, sir, and I was so fond of him, sir, he was so playful and loving, and I be afraid he be lost.'

She began to call again, without waiting for an answer.

'Jack, Jack, Jack!'

'I'm afraid some boys have got your little dog,' said Lucian. 'They've killed him. You'd better go back home.'

He went on, walking as fast as he could, in his endeavour to get beyond the noise of the child's crying. It distressed him, and he wished to think of other things. He stamped his foot angrily on 125