John of the Woods

re his eyes closed,-that long howl in the darkness. So it was with a thrill of terror that he felt a strange touch on his face. Something warm and wet was passing over his cheek. Something soft and

icking it with a coar

! Gigi screamed aloud. He struck at the creature wi

with you!" he crie

very gentle, very piteous; and it beg

. Around his neck was a heavy collar of leather studded with nails. Gigi did not like dogs. The only ones he knew had always chased the Tumblers and barked at the

not know what it meant. But when the dog saw that the boy was not following, he went back and repeated his action. Several times he did this, and still Gigi lay looking at him, too tired and too weak to make an effort, even to thi

d to follow, leaning a hand on the dog's neck. The creature was wild with joy, and began to bark and wag his tail furiously. Even this motion made the boy totter, he was so weak. He took a few steps, then he

im timidly. It was the first time Gigi

e. Evidently he wanted his new friend to do something. The boy looked at him wearily, and wondered. He took hold of the collar about the dog's neck. Yes! that was it! The dog barked and wagged his tail, but did not move. He was sti

r the dog's back, keepi

he animal rose to his

wanted. He began to mo

en and his feet nearl

y forward, resting his head on the dog's soft neck. Sometimes they stopped to rest. Then Gigi lay flat on t

A quaint pair