234 Daniel Pratt 



fight with the flames. Then I saw a strong fireman 

 lift a limp figure and carry it toward the group of 

 people who had just been rescued ; and then I real- 

 ized it all. The senseless creature they were carrying 

 was the lame boy Daniel's friend saved from 

 death by the one he loved. 



I pushed my way through the crowd, and there 

 on the pavement, breathing hard in agony, but utter- 

 ing no sound, with every particle of hair burned from 

 his body, and his eyes closed, lay Daniel noble, 

 devoted Daniel. I spoke to him, and he heard me ; 

 but he was too weak even to raise his head. 



I have many pets around my house, for I love 

 animals next to men. I also have many visitors, 

 and take pleasure in showing them these pets. My 

 friends often speak of the peculiar creatures they see 

 about my home as, for example, the screech-owl 

 (who punctuates the night as regularly as a cuckoo 

 clock, and more noisily) ; but what none of them 

 seem quite able to understand is why I keep with 

 such special care a blind, hairless dog, covered with 

 scars, and able only to limp feebly about. I have 

 never cared to explain my reasons to anyone. But 



