of 



us, he stopped, relaxed his hold on the willow 

 and started for Rob. How happily he ran, hold- 

 ing out both eager hands ! The dog sprang play- 

 fully backward, and began to dodge and bark as 

 the boy laughingly and repeatedly fell while 

 trying to catch him. Just as I entered the house, 

 Rob was trying to climb to the top of the fence 

 after his new playmate. 



That night Rob was agreeable with every one 

 in the house, and even had a romp with the cat. 

 These people wanted to keep him, and offered 

 money and their best saddle-horse. I knew that 

 with them he would have kind treatment to the 

 day of his death. I wanted him, too, but I knew 

 the weeks of mountain-exploring just before me 

 would be too hard for him. "Rob is a free dog," 

 I said, "and is, of his own choice, simply travel- 

 ing with me as a companion. I cannot sell or 

 give him away. I like him, but, if he wants to 

 stay, it will be a pleasure to me to leave him." 



The next morning every one was wondering 

 whether Rob would go or stay. The dog had 

 made up his mind. He watched me prepare to 

 leave with keenest interest, but it was evident 



104 



