to him before church, and put him in there to get warm, and forgot
about him. Unfortunately I was late, and the back seats were all
full, so I had to sit farther up than I usually do. During the first
hymn I happened to strike Piggy against the side of the seat. Such
an ear-splitting squeal as he set up. It sounded as if I was
murdering him. The people stared and stared, and I had to leave
the church, overwhelmed with confusion."

Mrs. Wood and Miss Laura laughed, and then they got talking
about other matters that were not interesting to me, so I did not
listen. But I kept close to Miss Laura, for I was afraid that green
thing might hurt her. I wondered very much what its name was. I
don't think I should have feared it so much if I had known what it
was.

"There's something the matter with Joe," said Miss Laura, when we
got into the lane. "What is it, dear old fellow?" She put down her
little hand, and I licked it, and wished so much that I could speak.

Sometimes I wish very much that I had the gift of speech, and then
at other times I see how little it would profit me, and how many
foolish things I should often say. And I don't believe human beings
would love animals as well, if they could speak.

When we reached the house, we got a joyful surprise. There was a
trunk standing on the veranda, and as soon as Mrs. Wood saw it,
she gave a little shriek: "My dear boy!"

Mr. Harry was there, sure enough, and stepped out through the
open door. He took his mother in his arms and kissed her, then he