A COLLIE IN THE DESERT 147 



weird desert. Morning was rushing up red into 

 the east a flare of coloured light in the desert's 

 coppery, sullen sky. The cry was repeated 

 neither a bark nor a howl but suggestive of 

 both. Before us on a low and lonely butte 

 stood a collie with pointed nose against the 

 brightening sky. 



When Mrs. Helm, who had kept Jack for a 

 time, returned to the West no trace of him could 

 be found. She offered a reward, but the dog 

 could not be located. She went to the town 

 where she had first seen him. While there she 

 heard stories of his restlessness and of his appar- 

 ent desire for definite work to do, of his interest in 

 cattle, and especially of his repeated attentions 

 and interest in a sheep flock of a far-distant 

 ranch. While she was away Jack appeared at 

 her home in the other city. He awaited her 

 coming. 



As soon as she returned home she made haste 

 to take Jack out with her to a sheep ranch for a 

 few days. Jack enjoyed the work and the life. 

 Plainly he was happy. For the first time he had 

 something definite to do, and he quickly learned 

 how to do it. Mrs. Helm concluded to buy the 

 sheep ranch for Jack. 



The ranch was owned by the express agent in 

 the town where she had formerly lived. She 

 sent for him. 



