our animal friends who cannot be left behind. Brutus will lead you to
the village, and thence you must find your way to the Capital. And one
word more: if you find yourself in trouble or need, show the silver
talisman which you wear about your neck, and I think all will be well.
Remember my teachings, John, and come as soon as may be."

When John had finished the letter, he stood for a moment quite dazed.
He was to leave this place where all was peace and happiness, and go
back among men whom he feared! He was to go to the very King whose
name he shuddered to remember,--the King who had killed his brother and
that holy man John with his little son! He was to do all this for the
sake of the enemy who had hunted the bear, who had injured the gentle
deer, who had aimed to take John's own life! He grew sick at the
thought. Yet,--it was the Hermit himself who summoned him. And he
remembered the good man's teachings.

"How I can help I know not," sighed John, "but I must go!" He laid his
head upon the feathers of the carrier pigeon and shed some bitter
tears. Then, placing the bird gently on the tree beside him, he
straightened himself bravely. "I will go!" he said. "I will go
joyfully, as one should who hopes to be worthy to bear the name of
John."

Just then Brutus came sauntering from the hut, shaking himself lazily
after his nap.

"Ho, Brutus!" called John, snapping his fingers. "Shall we go on a
journey together, you and I? Shall we take these little friends on a
wonderful pilgrimage? And will you be my guide, as you were once
before, good Brutus?"