cottage and the fence had been repainted, and the gravel walk that
led from the wicket-gate to the front door had been trimmed and
rolled. And very dainty looked the white, fringed curtains and the
green paper blinds at the front windows.

Evidently everything had been brightened up and put into holiday
attire to welcome Ishmael.

While his hand was on the latch of the gate he was perceived from
within, and the front door flew open and all the family rushed out
to receive him--Reuben and Hannah, and the two children and Sally
and the dog--the latter was as noisy and sincere in his welcome as
any of the human friends, barking round and round the group to
express his sympathy and joy and congratulations.

"I telled Hannah how you'd come to us fust; I did! Didn't I, Hannah,
my dear?" said Reuben triumphantly, as he shook both Ishmael's hands
with an energy worthy of a blacksmith.

"Well, I knew he would too! It didn't need a prophet nor one to rise
from the dead to tell us that Ishmael would be true to his old
friends," said Hannah, pushing Reuben away and embracing Ishmael
with a--

"How do you do, my boy? You look better than I expected to see you
after your hard year's work."

"Oh, I am all right, thank you, Aunt Hannah. Coming to see you has
set me up!" laughed Ishmael, cordially returning her embrace.