“Go home, Cheepsie,” said the old man, and the bird at once darted into a cage hanging at the front window, but the Poundmaster did not shut the cage door.

Then he led Jan to the back porch where the tub of clean soapsuds was ready, and again the dog was washed thoroughly and the salve applied to his sores.  Though Jan’s heart was almost bursting with gratitude, he could only show it by poking his nose against the kindly hand, or uttering low whimpers.

“I know, old fellow,” his new friend said, “you’re trying to thank me.  It’s all right now.  Don’t worry!”

And Prince Jan knew that it was all right.  That night he slept on the soft comforter in the little house.

As day after day went past, Jan began to feel strong again, but it took eight long months before his beautiful hair grew out and his eyes at last lost their pitiful pleading.  At first he could not understand about his new friend, whom he heard other men call “Captain Smith, the poundmaster.”  He remembered what the little white dog had said about pounds being places where dogs were killed when they had no friends to claim them, but Jan knew that his friend would not hurt any dog.

Each day, now, Jan followed the captain into the long room where dogs were tied with ropes, just as he, himself, had been kept that first night.  During sunshiny days of the snowless winter, these dogs were led into the back yard of the bungalow.  It had a high board fence, so they could run about and stretch, or lie in the warm grass.

None of these dogs ever stayed very long, but they all soon learned to love the old captain and would rush around his feet or crawl against him, wagging their tails.  A few, bolder than the others, leaped up to lick his hands, or pretended they were going to fight him, but when they got near, they turned and raced about him in big circles, barking and yelping as though they were laughing at the joke.

All the time, the old man stood smiling, his hands held out to caress those nearest.  New dogs came with the others, and often some of the older dogs would disappear.  Then Prince Jan would look at the captain, wondering, but never doubting his friend who loved all dogs.

Chapter VII

HIPPITY-HOP

The loving care given Jan by the captain for eight months made him well and happy, and above all brought back his lost faith in people, so that he became the gentle, affectionate dog that he used to be before he knew what cruelty meant.

One of Jan’s ancestors had been a Newfoundland dog.  These are very large dogs with long, silky black and white hair.  Though not so large as the St. Bernards, they resemble them in build and show the same intelligence, loyalty, and kind disposition.  Newfoundland dogs are wonderful swimmers and do not have to be trained to go out and rescue people who are drowning.  So it was very natural for Prince Jan to enjoy swimming.