[Illustration]

CHAPTER II

WHERE EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY


Baldy's entrance into the Allan and Darling Kennel had failed to attract
the interest that the arrival of a new inmate usually created. He was an
accident, not an acquisition, and the little comment upon his presence
was generally unfavorable.

Even Matt, who took care of the dogs, and was a sort of godfather to
them all, shook his head dubiously over Baldy. "He don't seem to belong
here, someway," had been his mild criticism; while the Woman complained
to "Scotty" that he was one of the most unresponsive dogs she had ever
known.

"He's not exactly unresponsive," maintained "Scotty" justly; "but he's
self-contained, and it's hard for him to adjust himself to these recent
changes. It's all strange to him, and he misses the boy. You can't watch
him with Ben and say that he's not affectionate; but he gives his
affection slowly, and to but few people. One must earn it."

The Woman regarded Baldy with amused contempt. "So one must work hard
for his affection, eh? Well, with all of the attractive dogs here
willing to lavish their devotion upon us, I think it would hardly be
worth while trying to coax Baldy's reluctant tolerance into something