any ordinary dog. Yet he kept his temper and his poise, and endured
their homage meekly.

Often, in the country through which they passed, John found sick
persons to whom he could bring relief, and gladly he used the knowledge
which the Hermit had taught him. It seemed that there were few in that
land who had the skill of healing, and many of the sick had long
suffered for lack of the simple remedies which John had often used for
his pets. He saved several lives. Oh! that was joy for John! The
people were very grateful, and would have paid him anything he wished.
But all he asked was food or shelter for himself and his friends. Then
they spoke his name softly and kissed his hands, which made John laugh.

John found it easy enough to earn all the food he needed in the
villages. Remembering his mountebank days, he had but to hold a little
performance in the public square. Every one would hurry to see Bruin
do his tricks and John himself turn somersaults and walk on his hands;
after which the bear would dance and pass the hat, into which the
pennies rained generously.

But it was harder to find lodgings for the night. Knowing the King's
hatred for animals, men feared to shelter this caravan. Only when John
would pull from his breast the talisman of silver would they soften and
yield to his wishes, wondering and almost worshiping, as the farmer had
done on that first day. John himself was the most wondering of them
all. For he saw no reason why the silver Cross should have such power.
Sometimes he wondered if it was bewitched; but he knew the good Hermit
would not have bade him rely on magic. Yet it made him almost afraid,
so that he used this power only when he had to for the sake of the
weary animals. He himself was welcome everywhere,--perhaps for the