oyment was at my command, and now I was to wish in vain
for the happiness I had neglected. And yet, in the point which I
considered most important, I had my own way. I one day thought that if
I were never again to see Lily caressing that kitten, I should be quite
happy. I never again saw Lily caressing the kitten, and from that day my
real sorrows began.

There was a bustle in the house. Every thing seemed in confusion. Every
body was doing something different from usual. Furniture and trunks were
carried up and down stairs. My master's study was full of great chests;
and he and Lily, instead of reading the books, spent all their time in
hiding them in these chests. Next, my friend John came and nailed covers
on the chests. After the first was nailed down, I jumped upon it, and
sat watching John while he hammered the others; switching my tail, and
winking my eyes at every stroke of his hammer, rather surprised at all
that went on, but yet liking the bustle.

"Ah, poor old boy," said John, "I wonder how you'll take it."

"Take what?" thought I, and wondered too.

One day, John and another man went out with the horses, each riding on
one and leading another. Thinking they were going to exercise them, I
followed as I often did; but when we came to the end of the village John
ordered me home, saying, "Good bye, Captain. Don't forget us, old
fellow." I returned according to his command, but felt very much
puzzled, as John had never before sent me home.

On arriving at the house, a waggon was standing at the door, piled up to
a great height with chests and packages; and on the top of all was
perched an ugly cur, barking as if he considered himself the master of
everything. I was willing to make a civil acquaintance with him, but the
little mongrel had the audacity to bark at _me_,--me in my own
dominions! I did not think he was worth touching, besides which, I could
not get at him; but I growled fiercely; and his master, who was loading
the waggon, desired me to "get out of the way."

Thus rejected on all sides, I betook myself to the court, and rolled
myself round in the straw of my own kennel, where nobody could affront
me. There I remained till I heard Lily's sweet voice at a distance
calling, "Captain, Captain!" I bounded forth once more at the sound, and
met my pretty mistress in her walking dress, with the basket in her hand
which I had so often carried. But she did not invite me to accompany
her. "Poor Captain,"