y grasp what was coming, but the vague suspicion conveyed by the
woman's words aroused a fear in his breast.

"Oh! He's your'n, is he. We'll see 'bout that. How did he come to be
your'n? Did you buy him?"

"Why, of course not. He was born right here on the farm, and, when he
was a puppy, mother gave him to me."

"Don't you dare to call my sister mother, you impudent young beggar.
You never had no mother, and your scoundrel of a father foisted you
onto my innocent, confidin' sister, who took you out o' charity, like
a fool. I wouldn't 'ave done it."

"I have not the least idea that you would, Miss Grath. You never did
any one a kindness in your life, if what people say is true."

"People say a deal sight more 'n their prayers. But that an't to the
p'int now. We're talkin' 'bout this dog. You say he's your'n; that my
sister gin him to you. Now kin you prove that?"

"Prove it?" repeated Leon, at last fully comprehending that his dog
might be taken from him. "Prove it! Why, how can I?"

"Jes' so. You can't. My sister's dead, and an't here to contradict
you, so in course you kin claim the dog. But that's all talk, an' talk
's cheap. The dog's mine."

"He is not yours."

"An't he? We'll see 'bout that mighty quick." And before either Leon
or the dog understood her purpose, she had grabbed Lossy in her arms,
and was striding away towards the crowd around the auctioneer. Leon
jumped down and followed her, his pulses beating high.

Reaching the cart where Mr. Potter was standing, she threw the dog
towards him, saying:

"Here, sell this dog next. He's named Lossy. He's a right smart beast.
Goes after the cows, kin tend sheep, and run a churn. He's wuth a good
price. Sell him for what he'll fetch."

Mr. Potter stooped and patted the dog, who was trembling with fear,
for ordinarily a collie is easily alarmed, and not very brave except
when guarding his sheep, when he has the courage of a lion.

"Well," began Mr. Potter, "what'll you give for the dog. Come! speak,
and let the worst be known, for speaking may relieve you. If it don't,
I'll relieve you of the price of the dog, and you can take him with
you."

"Dollar!" cried a voice in the crowd succinctly.

"'n' quarter," said another.

"Stop," cried Leon, fully aroused, now that his pet was actually
offered for sale. "Mr. Potter, you shall not sell that dog. He is
mine."

"It's a lie!" cried Miss Grath. Then pointing her bony finger at Leon,
she continued: "Lo