But they were afraid of strange dogs. Julia began to cry; and Nelly
said, "Go away, sir; go home, sir: we don't want any thing to do with
you, sir."

Spot was sorry to be thus driven off. He stopped, and began to whine in
a pleading sort of way, as if saying, "I am a good dog, though a
stranger to you. I have lost my master, and I am very hungry. Please let
me follow you. I'll be very good. I know tricks that will please you."

The children were not so much afraid when they saw him stop as if to get
permission to follow. "He is a good dog, after all," said Nelly: "he
would not force his company on us; he wants his dinner. Come on, sir!"

Thus encouraged, Spot ran up, wagging his tail, and showing that he was
very glad to find a friend. He barked at other dogs who came too near,
and showed that he meant to defend the little girls at all risks.

When they arrived home, they gave him some milk and bread, and then took
him into the sitting-room, and played with him. "Beg, sir!" said Nelly;
and at once Spot stood upright on his hind-legs, and put out his
fore-paws.

Then Julia rolled a ball along the floor; and Spot caught it almost
before it left her hand. "Now, die, sir, die!" cried Nelly; and, much to
her surprise, Spot lay down on the floor, and acted as if he were dead.

When papa came home, and saw what a good, wise dog Spot was, he told the
children they might keep him till they could find the owner.

A week afterwards, they saw at the railroad-station a printed bill