Dick did not find it trying, though, he loved a walk, no matter in
what direction it lay, and questions and curiosity did not trouble
him at all. He looked wistfully from Huldah to Mrs. Perry, begging
with his eyes that he might be allowed to go too.

"Yes, take him," said Mrs. Perry; "it is only three o'clock, and
you'll be back by four. I don't mind being alone in broad daylight
like this." So Huldah, not a little pleased with her appearance in
her pretty blue frock and new hat, started off, basket in hand, and
Dick, very proud and pleased, trotted off beside her.

It was not until she drew near the village that she began to wonder
what the people would think of the change in her appearance, and a
great shyness seized her, and reluctance to go on and meet their
looks of surprise, and their open remarks. The feeling grew and grew
with every step she took, until she had begun to wonder if she could
ever bring herself to face them, when suddenly her mind was lifted
off her fears by the extraordinary behaviour of Dick.

Growling savagely, his hair rising stiffly along his back, he was
walking more and more slowly, and drawing in closer and closer to
Huldah, as his habit was when he felt he must protect her.

"Why, Dick," she cried, puzzled and half-alarmed, "what is it old
man? whatever is the matter?" Then, her eyes following the direction
of his, she saw, standing by a gate deep-set in the hedge, two young
men. To her they seemed harmless enough, just two ordinary-looking
strangers, and if it had not been for Dick's behaviour, she would
have passed them by without a thought. But evidently they were not