Page:Bound to Succeed.djvu/41

Rh seemed to be an endless procession. There were big dogs and little dogs, mastiffs, fox terriers and collies. One magnificent St. Bernard got wedged in the fence break. Those behind fairly pushed him through, letting loose a stream of canines like corn from a spout.

Out bounded the released animals, fairly crazy with delight at finding their freedom. Nearly all of them Instantly made for a near ditch filled with clear water. They lapped it up luxuriously, they rolled and wallowed in the pure, cool element. Then, like diverging spokes from one central source, they streaked it homewards as instinct told them their proper compass point.

The little ragged urchin Frank found seated on the ground, fondling and crying over the tiniest, silken-haired poodle he had ever seen. Its own affectionate antics were fairly affecting. Beside the pair, limping on three legs, a forlorn little fox-terrier looked homelessly and friendlessly longing, as If begging for a share of attention.

"Yes, I'll take you, tool'* cried the ragged youngster, putting Fido under one arm and gathering up the crippled canine in the other. "Say," he shouted to Frank, "you're a brick! Oh, but you've done a good day's work. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Only, get now—don't