COMMUTER'S WIFE 233 



At first the man seemed stunned, and did not 

 answer. Then he said: 



"I'd like to see The Orphan, sir. There's no- 

 body else that'll care. He's my dog. I guess 

 you'll find him in my flag-house behind the coal 

 box. That's where he lies of nights, if you care 

 to bother. I don't suppose you will, though," this 

 with a wistful glance, while a big tear rolled down 

 his cheek. 



In half an hour or so the dog was brought, a 

 sombre creature, big and woolly, looking like a huge 

 Skye terrier. He gave a little whine of joy, licked 

 the poor man's hand, and crouched close to him. 



" He's almost four years old. He was a freight 

 car ' left over ' when I got him as a pup. He'd be 

 good company to you if you happen to need a dog, 

 and he don't eat much. Else perhaps you'd give 

 him something a drug, you know. He's too retir- 

 ing to make out foragin' for himself, and he ain't got 

 any friends but me. His looks was always up 

 against him." 



"I have five dogs already," said father, "but I 

 will take him. No faithful dog is ill-looking to me." 



So he arrived, sitting solemnly by father in the 

 gig, and Evan pronounced him an old-time English 

 sheep-dog, and well bred. 



