the light of topazes
as they fixed lovingly on Gabriel's happy face; for Gabriel _was_ happy, as
every one is who sees Love work what is called a miracle, but what is
really not a miracle at all, but just one of the beautiful, happy changes
for the better that follow on Love, wherever she goes. The boy's lonely
heart leaped at the idea that at last he had a companion.

A despised little suffering dog had altered into a welcome playmate, too
attractive, perhaps, to keep; for Gabriel well knew that he would never be
permitted to take the dog home; and any one finding him now in the woods
could carry him into town and get a good price for him.

"What shall I call you, little one?" asked the boy. "My word, but you are
lively," for the dog was bounding about so that his ears flew and flapped
around like yellow curls.

"Topaz, you shall be!" cried Gabriel, suddenly realizing how gem-like were
the creature's eyes; "and now listen to me!"

To his amazement, as the boy said "Listen," and raised his finger, Topaz at
once sat up on his hind legs with his dainty white forepaws hung in front
of him.

"Whew!" and Gabriel began whistling a little tune in his amazement, and the
instant the dog heard the music he began to dance. What a sight was there!
Gabriel's eyes grew round as he saw Topaz advance and retreat and twirl,
occasionally nodding and tossing his head until his curls bobbed. He seemed
to long, in his warm little dog's heart, to show Gabriel that he had been
worth saving.

But the radiance died from the boy's face and he sank at last on the ground
under a tree, looking very dejected.

Topaz bounded to his lap and Gabriel pulled the long silky ears through his
hands thoughtfully.

"I thought I had found a companion," he said sadly.

"Bow-wow," responded Topaz.

"But you are a trick dog, worth nobody knows how much money, and I cannot
keep you!"

"Bow-wow," said Topaz.

"To-morrow I must begin to try to find your master. Meanwhile what am I to
do with you?" The boy rose as he spoke and Topaz showed plainly that there
was no doubt in _his_ mind as to what should be done with him, for he meant
to stick closely to Gabriel's heel.

The boy suddenly had an idea and began to trudge sturdily off in the
direction of Mother Lemon's cottage, Topaz following close. The memory of
the latter's recent mishaps was too clear in his doggish mind to make him
willing that a single bush should come between him and his protector.