to his. All signs of the cat's fear and anger had
vanished, and as it rubbed its sleek fur against Gabriel's cheek, it purred
so loudly that Mother Lemon marveled.
"Had my father studied this book he might have been happy," continued the
boy; "but he is offended with me and has sent me out into the world, and
well I know that an unhappy heart drives him."
"Go back, boy, and make your peace with him," cried Mother Lemon excitedly,
"or you will get nothing."
"Oh, I have received what I asked for. I asked to have this cottage, and he
gave it to me, and I have come now to give it to you, Mother Lemon."
"My lad!" exclaimed the amazed woman, and her eyes swam with sudden tears.
"You will have no more rent to pay," said Gabriel, stroking the cat.
"And what is to become of you?" asked the woman, much moved.
"I cannot go home," replied the boy quietly; "and in any case I have to
give Topaz, the dog, back to his owner. Why do you weep, Mother Lemon?
Haven't I God to take care of me, and isn't He greater than all men?"
"Yes, lad. The Good Book says He is king of heaven and earth."
"Then if you believe it, why are you sad?"
Mother Lemon dried her eyes, and at this moment they heard a great
scratching on the door of the shed; for Topaz had wakened from a nap and
heard Gabriel's voice.
"Ah, that I had never given you the penny!" wailed the old woman, "for then
you would not have bought the yellow dog and gone away where I shall see
you no more."
Gabriel's sober face smiled. "Yes, you will see me again, Mother Lemon,
when my fortune is made. You have God, too, you know."
"Ay, boy. I'm nearer Him to-day than for many a long year. My blessing go
with you wherever you are; and now let me have Tommy, that he does not fly
at your dancer, to whom I say good riddance. Good-by, lad, good-by, and God
bless you for your goodness and generosity to a lonely old creature!"
So saying, Mother Lemon took the cat in her arms, and, going into the
house, fastened the door and pulled down the windows, while Gabriel went to
the shed, and taking out the wooden staple released his prisoner.
Like a living nugget of gold the little dog leaped and capered about the
boy, expressing his joy by the liveliest antics, barking meanwhile in a
manner to set Tommy's nerves on edge; but Gabriel ran laughing before him
into the forest, not stopping until they reached the brookside, where they
both slaked their thirst. Then he put the Book o
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