The dog seemed to understand. He pricked up his ears, and leaped up to
John's shoulders with a joyous bark. Then, rushing to the edge of the
wood, he looked back, inviting John to follow.

"Oh, let us be off!" he seemed to say. "I have been longing to go to
our dear master. Let us hasten, little brother!"

"Not so fast!" said John. "We have first to gather our provisions and
make ready our company of pilgrims. I must take all the food I can.
For I dare not trust wholly to the silver Cross. What could my father
mean by that?"

Still wondering, John set about his preparations. They did not take
long. There was neither lock nor bolt on the door of the Hermit's hut,
nor aught of value to hide. When John's basket was packed with simple
food, and the animals were gathered about him outside in the little
clearing, he rolled a stone against the door, and they were ready to go.




XIX

THE JOURNEY

A strange company they were, these citizens of the Animal Kingdom
traveling to town! Foremost went Brutus, leading the way and feeling
very important with a bundle bound upon his strong back. Gray and
gaunt, the wolf trotted along at his side, like another dog. Next came