created a dog.

Bouncer loved all the children dearly; but, stout-hearted fellow that he
was, he loved the weakest one best; and, therefore, little Kitty was
never without a friend and protector. Ever since a certain day in the
summer, when she had fallen into the stream, and had been carried home
insensible by Bouncer, Kitty had loved the huge mastiff dearly, and
nightly added to her simple prayer, "Please, God, bless dear Bouncer,
too!"

And Bouncer _was_ blessed beyond most dogs. Gentle as a baby when
Kitty's arm was about his neck, he was fierce as a lion when fierceness
was required. His great white teeth were a terror to evil-doers, and his
bark in the dead of night would make venturesome bears sneak back into
the forest like kittens.

Often would Mrs. Hedden say to her neighbors, that with "husband's rifle
and Bouncer's teeth, she felt that she lived in a fortress. As for the
children," she would add, laughingly, "I scarcely ever feel any anxiety
about them, when I know that Bouncer has joined their little
expeditions. He is a regiment in himself."




II.

EXPLORING THE STREAM.