y, and said
the dog was such a very valuable one that she didn't know what would
happen if he died."

"I judged something of the kind," remarked Bill. "I've got a cousin, over
their way: shepherd to Mr. Phipps--him as has Fair Mile Farm. You knows.
He come in with him--'twus last Saturday's market--over some tegs; and he
called in here, and I do believes 'twus to ask how this un here wus. Said
he'd allus liked un. Seemed to know all about un. Said as he and the
gen'leman as owns un wus allus together; that he couldn't get about like
some; and that he and this dog here was never apart, and seemed to hang
together, curious ways like. They'd got some name for the two of 'em down
in that part--so he says; but I a'most forgets what 'twus now."

"So I understand. One or two have been to call to ask after him, up at
the office, and said much the same."

"Been here himself, hasn't he?" inquired Bill.

"Ay, yesterday. I told him he couldn't see him; or, rather, that if he
did, with the dog's heart as rocky as it was, I would not answer for the
result. He did not speak a word after that, except--'Do your best'; and
went out."

"From what that cousin o' mine said," put in Bill, "I judge if he'd come
in, it would a-killed the dog right off." He was smoothing Murphy's ears
as he spoke.

"I told him," continued Mr. Charles, "that two things were especially
against this dog; one was his high breeding, and the other, his brain
development. It's the last I'm most afraid of, though."

"Brain? Clever?" put in Bill--"I should just say he _was_."

"--And I told him that I had never seen a dog that was easier to treat;
and that he was making a real plucky fight for it."

"That's true," said Bill, in a tone as if the words had been "Amen."

"--And that he was that sensible that he allowed us to do just as we
liked with him; so good and patient that there was not a man in the yard
that wasn't _glad_ to do anything for him."

"True again," broke in Bill, with emphasis.--"Murphy," he said, calling
the dog by name. "Whew! Another hot day, I judge; coming light afore
long." Bill was looking at the sky.

"All against him; all against him," returned the other. "But there, I
shall be downright sorry if we lose him now."

Bill shook his head. "See all as has been done ... and the telegrams ...
and the letters, and ..."

The conversation of the two men was stopped by a low bark from the dog.

"Dreaming," said Bill; "does a lot o' slee