, and to see with
joy the works of God and His glory? Laugh, Colorado, the sound is music
in my ears!"

But by-and-by the play must cease. Orders were given, and Rento and
Franci set to work in good earnest. The wind was fair, the tide was
setting out. What should keep them longer here? The sails were hoisted
to the tune of "Baltimore," and Rento's gruff bass and Franci's melting
tenor were mingled for once in friendly harmony.

"I wish I was in Baltimore!
lo!
A-skating on the sanded floor.
A long time ago!
Forever and forever,
lo!
Forever and forever, boys,
A long time ago!"

Just as the cables were about to be cast off, a hail was heard from the
wharf, and Mr. Bill Hen Pike appeared, purple and breathless.

"Schooner ahoy!" he gasped; and then fell against a post and mopped his
brow.

"Senor!" responded the Skipper, coming to the stern, and greeting his
guest with a wave of the hand, "you come to bid us farewell? It is
kindly done! Or you bring us, perhaps, a message from our revered uncle?
Speak with haste, Senor, the tide waits not!"

"I--I brought this!" said Mr. Bill Hen, holding up a small object. "I
went up into his room, to see if there was anything he might like, and
there warn't nothing but just this. I thought you'd like to have it,
Johnny, to take along with you."

The good man's voice faltered; John ran to the stern, and held out his
hands eagerly, tenderly, crying,--"Oh, thank you, dear Mr. Pike! thank
you so very, very much!"

For it was the china poodle that Mr. Bill Hen had brought. When the
treasure was safe in the child's hands, Mr. Bill Hen breathed more
freely.

"Now you'll have something to remember us by, Johnny!" he said. "We've
lotted on ye a good deal, here to the village; more maybe than you
thought on. I--I'll miss ye consid'able, off and on, ye see, off and on.
You'll think about us nows and thens, won't ye, Bub?"

"Oh, yes, indeed!" cried little John, eagerly. "I shall think of you a
great, great deal, Mr. Bill Hen! You have always been so good and kind
to me, and I shall miss you, too, and Lena, and lots of people. And--and
how is Cousin Scraper, please, Mr. Bill Hen? Does he miss me, do you
think?"

"He's all right!" replied Mr. Bill Hen, gruffly. "Doosn't seem none the
worse for his tantrum. No, if you ask me, I can't say as he seems to
miss ye, not anyways to hurt him, that is. He'll be out again to-morrow
all right, doctor sa