automobile putting out the last embers of the campfire, that there
might be no danger during the night. "One of the dogs is leading home a
'cow critter,' as some farmers call them.

"It's Dix," he went on a moment later as the two dogs, both barking
excitedly, came close to the big moving van, Dix having hold of the rope
that was tied fast to the cow's neck. He was leading her along, and the
cow did not appear to mind. "Dix must have found the cow wandering along
the road," went on Uncle Tad, "and, thinking we might need one, he just
brought her home."

"Very thoughtful of Dix, I'm sure," said Mr. Brown, who had come outside
as had his wife, while Bunny and Sue remained in their pajamas in the
doorway. "He probably meant it kindly, but what will the man think whose
cow she is? Well, what's the matter with you, Splash?" asked Mr. Brown,
for that dog, too, was barking very loudly. "Did you see the cow first,
and wouldn't Dix let you have a share in bringing her here? I guess that
was it. Never mind, you shall lead the cow home, if we can find out
where she belongs."

He patted Splash's head as he spoke, and talked to the dog almost as he
would have talked to a small boy. And I think Splash understood, for he
wagged his tail, and seemed pleased.

Dix led the cow up to Mr. Brown, and there, dropping the end of the
rope, wagged his tail, barked once or twice and looked up as though he
were saying:

"Well, didn't I do pretty well for the first day? I found a cow for you.
That will more than pay my board. I'll try and find something else