of back yards, and once Jane tore her frock climbing
over a shed. Jane never thought of giving in. The lost dog was to be
sent in answer to her prayer to give her the money she needed so badly.
At last they came to an open door, through which they saw into a yard,
and there by a kennel sat a big red dog. Jane gave a shout of joy.

"Toby, good Toby!" she called. "Is it here ye're settlin', and' us
lukin' the town for ye?" The dog was chained, but they unfastened him,
and with the help of a slice of bread and butter Jane had with her for
luncheon they coaxed him from the yard. It was well they kept him on
the chain, for once they got out Toby began to run. He was a big dog,
and pulled hard. Both the children held tight to the chain, and still
he pulled them at a run through the streets. At last they were so
tired they had to rest. They sat down on a curbstone, with Toby
between them, and were just beginning to discuss the reward when a
heavy hand fell on Mick's shoulder. It was the school porter. In
spite of their protests he insisted that Mick was playing truant, and
marched him off to school. Jane, left alone with Toby, debated what
she ought to do. The reward was to be got in a village three or four
miles at the other side of Rowallan, so she would have to wait and go
back with Andy. But there was still an hour and a half before he would
call at Miss Courtney's to take her home. She decided that it was her
duty to go back to school till he came. She could explain to Miss
Courtney that Toby was a valuable dog she had found. She could also
tell the big girls, with perfect truth, that she would bring five
shillings next day. When she got up to go Toby started at the same
bounding pace, dragging her through mud and puddles. But she got him
to the place where Mick had hidden the schoolbags. Then, with her bag
in her hand, she stood for a moment in doubt.

"I wouldn't take ye if I didn't think ye'd be as good as gold," she
said. Toby wagged his tail. As she was taking off her hat in the
cloakroom she warned him once more that he must be good. He seemed to
understand perfectly, and walked quietly by her side to the schoolroom
door. When she opened the door everybody looked up; there was a murmur
of astonishment, and before she could stop him Toby had bounded from
her, and was barking furiously at the infant class. All the children
screamed. Jane did her best to catch him, but he got away from her.