142 Sallie Russell 



ragged man who was speaking such kind words. 

 But there was something in the eyes that beamed so 

 kindly from under the slouched hat, in the voice that 

 spoke so gently from beneath the frowzled whiskers, 

 which won his confidence ; his tail began to wag, 

 slowly at first, but faster and faster, until at last he 

 came and stood beside the man, and felt the gentle 

 and kindly touch of his hand upon his head. Such is 

 the power of kindness. Ashley patted the dog quietly 

 for a few moments, and then gave him some food 

 from the scant store he had on hand. The creature 

 showed his gratitude by licking his hand. Suddenly 

 a whistle was heard in the distance, and the dog 

 started and listened. The whistle was repeated, and 

 the animal instinctively started to answer it. But a 

 harsh voice rose on the air, and the poor dog turned 

 back with a wistful look in his earnest eyes. Ashley 

 knew what it meant. He believed the men would 

 not look far for their lost animal, and he determined 

 to keep him. The task was not difficult, and so the 

 party of fugitives was increased to three. 



The adventures which Ashley and his companions 



