gone. Tasso said that if they could only get some money he would not
have to go away to the wars, but he shook his head sadly and knew that
no one would lend it to them. At noon Lolo went home with Moufflon to
his dinner. When they had finished (it was only bean soup and soon
eaten), the mother told Lolo that his aunt wanted him to go and see
her that afternoon, and take care of the children while she went out.
So Lolo put on his hat, called Moufflou, and was limping toward the
door, when his mother said:--

"No, don't take the dog to-day, your aunt doesn't like him; leave him
here with me."

"Leave Moufflou?" said Lolo, "why, I never leave him; he wouldn't know
what to do without me all the afternoon."

"Yes, leave him," said his mother. "I don't want you to take him with
you. Don't let me tell you again." So Lolo turned around and went down
the stairs, feeling very sad at leaving his dear Moufflou even for a
short time. But the hours went by, and when night-time came he hurried
back to the little old home. He stood at the bottom of the long, dark
stairway and called "Moufflou! Moufflou!" but no doggie came; then he
climbed half-way up to the landing and called again, "Moufflou!" but
no little white feet came pattering down. Up to the top of the stairs
went poor tired Lolo and opened the door.

"Why, where is my Moufflou?" he said.

The mother had been crying, and she looked very sad and did not answer
him for a moment.