able to think. I almost wish I had taken Gyp when I had the
chance."

Master Sunshine and Tommy had got their dogs from the same litter
of puppies, and Tommy had had the first choice.

"Tim is such a cross, snappy dog," continued Tommy. "He makes me
angry every time I try to teach him anything."

"May be it is because you are angry that he is cross and snappy,"
said Almira Jane, half under her breath.

Of course Master Sunshine was very proud to exhibit Gyp. He loved
to have his pet look up at him with trusting brown eyes; and when
Gyp sprang on his knee, and put his paws affectionately about his
master's neck, it always seemed as if he were not quite a dog, but
something very like a dear human friend. Gyp had such winning ways
too. He would stand on his hind legs and beg, or he would seat
himself on a chair, and hold out a paw to shake hands with, in the
most knowing manner; and all of these accomplishments he owed to
his little master's patient teaching.

Almira Jane was through washing the dishes now; and as she took
the broom in hand to begin sweeping out the kitchen, Tim gave a
frightened growl, and fled to the dining-room.

Almira Jane grew very red in the face as she said, "That dog can
think well enough, and tell his thoughts too. It is plain to me
that some one has used a broom to ill-treat the poor, helpless
creature with."