or his master to have many anxious thoughts. Accomplished
as piggie certainly was, he was evidently puzzled as to Nono's
intentions, and constantly suggested in his own way that the walk had
been long enough, and it was time to turn back to the golden house.
After a sharp contention on this subject, the travellers came in sight
of a house which Nono fancied would suit his purpose, for he rightly
guessed that Blackie's appetite had been sharpened by the long walk in
the fresh air. Most abundant refreshments for boy and beast were given
on the one side, and on the other a whole family had a hearty laugh to
promote their own digestion. Blackie could not have done better if he
had fully realized the importance of the occasion.
Towards twilight the glad jingling of bells rang out on the air--a
perfect concert of its kind. A train of sleighs drawn by prancing
horses came dashing down a long hill that Nono could see in the
distance, as he trudged over a level stretch below. Nono stepped out
into the soft snow as the first sleigh was almost upon him, the pace of
the horses being prudently slackened at the sight of the uncommon
impediment in the road. Nono took off his hat and bowed, while his
face gleamed with delight at the pretty display--the festal white nets
of the horses, and the fur-covered sleighs where the merry party were
so comfortably stowed.
When Nono bowed, at a motion from him the pig did the same, standing in
his very best way, if not in most graceful court fashion. The little
dark figures on the background of snow brought forth a cheery peal of
laughter, as sleigh after sleigh passed by with nods and shouts of
approval. Some self-sacrificing lover of children first managed to get
his hand into his pocket under the wraps; so came, by example, from one
and another a small rain of copper, with now and then a silver bit for
company. Nono and Blackie plunging round in the snow to pick up the
treasures (Blackie hoping for a dainty morsel, and Nono eager that
nothing should be lost) made a funny little roadside scene that sent
the gay party on their way even more merry than before.
Nono was not sure that he had gathered up all the results of this
unexpected exhibition, but he soon felt obliged to resume his march, as
the night was coming on rapidly. Blackie introduced him pleasantly to
a little shoemaker, who came up from behind and joined the two
pedestrians. Of course he asked Nono all manner of quest
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