her eyes. And
many a night she cried herself to sleep, grieving for Don.

Sorrow, however, is not eternal, and comfort came to her from an
unexpected source.

One afternoon the Davenports were driving home from Jacksonville, when
Beth chanced to look back. She thereupon uttered such an exclamation
of delight that Mr. Davenport, who was driving, pulled in on the horses.

"Oh, just see the beautiful dog!" exclaimed Beth. "I believe he's
following us."

About three yards behind the carriage was a very large dog, but
possessing a grace and a swiftness of motion unusual to his size. He
was not only beautiful, but also intelligent-looking. His coat was of
dark brown, and smooth as sealskin, showing every muscle of his body.
His broad square head and monstrous jaw reminded the beholder of a
tiger. His ears were close-cropped, which gave a compactness to his
head that brought into prominence his great changeable eyes: eyes that
the Davenports afterwards found so fiery sometimes that they reflected
red lights; at other times so mildly brown that they beamed with the
greatest affection. The dog was a combination of Russian bloodhound
and mastiff.

"He looks the thoroughbred, through and through," declared Mrs.
Davenport. "See how majestically he moves. Duke would be a good name
for him. Here, Duke. Here, Duke."

At the call, the dog raised his head and came bounding up to the
carriage. By a strange coincidence, Mrs. Davenport had hit upon his
name.

"Come here, Duke," cried Beth.

Large as the dog was, he jumped into the back part of the carriage
where Marian and Beth sat. Both children were wild with delight.

"Papa, let's take him home with us," begged Marian.

Mr. Davenport, however, would not listen to the suggestion.

"He is a very valuable dog, and it would not be honorable," he
declared. "Push him out immediately."

Both children began pleading, but Mr. Davenport proved relentless.
Therefore, Duke was finally put out of the carriage.

"Go home, Duke," cried Mr. Davenport, driving on.

The children looked back to see if the dog obeyed. To their joy, they
saw him following as unconcerned as before. Mr. Davenport took out the
whip and waved it at him. Duke stopped a second or two, and then
started after them at a little greater distance.

"Well," said Mr. Davenport, "all we can do is to let him come with us
now. To-morrow, I shall inquire in town and find his owner."

So Duke lodged at t