Page:Cornelia Meigs-The Pirate of Jasper Peak.djvu/196

 shining from the windows there, and there, and there; when I can think that all within are warm  and safe and happy, why, I can ask for nothing  more on earth, except—except, perhaps, that little  black Hendrik might be back again.“

Nicholas, who had been sitting on the grass beside them while they stood and talked, came  now to rub against Oscar and push his great head  under his hand.

“You are a good fellow, Nicholas,” said Oscar, patting his curly shoulder, “but you are not my Hendrik. It is strange how a man and a little black dog can learn to love each other when each  is all the other has.”

There was much hurrying to and fro before dawn next morning when the journey was actually to begin. There was carrying of loaded packs down to the canoe, there was running back  for things forgotten, there were many instructions given by every one to every one else. The day promised to be a clear one, although now the  sky was dark and the water gray. John Edmonds was made comfortable in the bottom of the