forehead against the
opposite wall, Stubby managed to jump on his back and climb to his
head, from where he gave a big leap and landed outside the well.

"Now, Billy, don't worry! I will soon find some one to get you out. If
I don't, I promise you on my sacred word of honor to come back here
and die with you."

It was not a rash promise on Stubby's part for already he had seen
the man and his little daughter rowing out to take Button off the
rocks.

[Illustration]

"Now is my chance," thought he. "Here is a kind-hearted man going to
the rescue of a cat. Why won't he be a good one to come to the aid of
a goat? I'll go down by the shore and wait until they land. Then I
will bark and run up to the well and make such a fuss that they will
follow me to see what is down there."

Button was sitting on the little girl's lap enjoying the petting she
was giving him when he saw Stubby standing on the beach, and he meowed
to him, saying, "Well, old Chum, where have you been? And why didn't
you come to help me off the rocks?"

To which Stubby replied, "Good reason enough! I fell into a well and
only just now got out. And when you land you must help me make this
man go to Billy's rescue."

"Why Billy's rescue? Where is he?" asked Button excitedly.

"Down the well, silly!"

"You said nothing about Billy being down a well, but only mentioned
yourself. How in the world did you both happen to fall down a well?"

"Don't ask so many questions. Just do as I tell you to do now and
after Billy is out I will answer all you wish to ask."

"Papa, this dog and cat must know each other. Just hear how they meow
and bark messages to one another. He is a cute looking little dog, but
this cat is a real beauty. He has such big yellow eyes just like glass
buttons and his fur is so soft and silky. May I keep him for my very
own?"

"Yes, dear, if you want to, for he does not seem to be wanted by
anybody."

The boat had no sooner touched the shore than Stubby began making
friends with the man and his daughter by walking on his hind legs,
turning somersaults and doing all sorts of cute tricks. After he had
done all his show tricks he ran over to where Billy was imprisoned,
and ran round and round the rim of the well, looking in and barking
very loudly. Then he ran back to the man and little girl and taking
hold of the man's trousers leg he began to pull him in the direction
of the well.

"What is the matter with you, you crazy little dog