"I not like to steal; but because
hungry I steal. Now I never hungry, always have plenty to eat; no one
beat me now; sleep warm all night. Why I steal, then? No, Master
Humphrey, I never steal more, 'cause I have no reason why, and 'cause
Missy Alice and Missy Edith tell me how the good God up there say must
not steal."

"I am glad to hear you give that as a reason, Pablo," replied Humphrey,
"as it proves that my sisters have not been teaching you in vain."

"Like to hear Missy Alice talk; she talk grave. Missy Edith talk too,
but she laugh very much; very fond Missy Edith, very happy little girl;
jump about just like one of these kids we drive home; always merry.
Hah! See cottage now; soon get home, Massa Humphrey. Missy Edith like
see kids very much. Where we put them?"

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

"We will put them into the yard for the present; I mean that Holdfast
shall take charge of them by and by. I will soon teach him."

"Yes, he take charge of coat, or anything I tell him, why not take
charge of goats? Clever dog, Holdfast. Massa Humphrey, you think Massa
Edward take away both his dogs, Smoker and Watch? I say better not take
puppy. Take Smoker, and leave puppy."

"I agree with you, Pablo. We ought to have two dogs here. I will speak
to my brother. Now run forward and open the gate of the yard, and throw
them some hay, Pablo, while I go and call my sisters."

The flock of goats was much admired, and the next morning was driven out
into the forest to feed, attended by Pablo and Holdfast. When it was
dinner-time, Pablo drove the flock near to the cottage, telling the dog
to mind the goats. The sensible animal remained at once with them until
Pablo's return from dinner; and it may be as well to observe here that
in a few days the dog took charge of them altogether, driving them home
to the yard every evening; and as soon as they were put into the yard
the dog had his supper, and he took good care, therefore, not to be too
late. To return to our narrative.

On Saturday Humphrey and Pablo went to Lymington to bring home Edward's
clothes, and Humphrey made Pablo acquainted with all that he wanted him
to know, in case it might be necessary to send him there alone.

Edward remained with his sisters, as he was to leave them on the Monday.

Sunday was passed as usual; they read the service at old Armitage's
grave, and afterwards they walked in the forest; for Sunday was the only
day on which Al