with such force at this moment, that he burst into a flood of tears,
exclaiming--

"Oh, don't leave me here, John! don't leave me, I cannot stay." Brushing
the tears from his own eyes, John drew the sobbing child out into the
yard, saying, as he put his arms affectionately about his neck,--

"But Arthur, what do you think mother would say to see you coming back
with me? How it would distress her! Indeed you _must_ stay, and try
to be contented. I think it looks like a pleasant place here. This is a
very pretty yard, and yonder is a large garden; I dare say Mr. Martin
will let you have a bed in it next spring."

"But it is living here all alone, which I dread," said Arthur.

"You know mother says we are never all alone," said John. "God will be
with you, and if you try to be a good contented boy, he will approve of
your conduct, and love you. Only six weeks too, remember, till you come
home. Just think how soon they will be gone!"

Rover had been gazing wistfully into Arthur's face, as if he wondered
what was going on that made them all so sober, and now he gently laid
his paw upon his hand. Arthur caressed him fondly, saying--

"Oh, Rover, dear good fellow, how I wish I could have you for company."

"I wish you could," said John, "but I don't think it would be right to
leave him, for Mr. Martin might not wish to have him."

John now untied his horse, saying,