“Take good care of them for me,” said the old man, “and I’ll pay for their food until we find homes for them all.”

“All right, Smith,” the man answered, and then he drove away with the yelping dogs.

It was very quiet in the house and back yard, but Hippity-Hop was glad of it.  She had not enjoyed herself while there were so many dogs in the back of the house.  After lunch was over, the captain dressed himself in his best clothes, put on his hat, and with Jan at his side, went to many big buildings where he talked earnestly with several men.

They were very kind to him, patted Jan, and promised they would let the captain know if they saw any work he could do.  Jan saw that his old friend seemed tired after they had been to several places, and when the dog thrust his nose into the captain’s hand, the faded eyes would smile bravely, as the captain said, “It’s bound to work out right in the end, Jan.”

Day after day, they made these trips, and at night Jan lay watching the face of his master, but the smile was not seen very often now.  One evening the old man was more despondent than ever, so even Jan’s wistful sympathy failed to rouse him, though the hand caressed the dog.  Jan’s heart ached, and unable to stand it longer, he pushed his head on the captain’s knee and gave a low whimper.

Captain Smith leaned down and lifted the dog’s head between his hands and looking into his puzzled eyes, he said slowly, “We’re up against it, Jan.  My money is gone, and there does not seem to be any work for me to do.  Every one is very kind, and all promise to send for me, but it is just because they are sorry.  If I were younger, it would be easy to find plenty to do.”

Jan licked the gnarled hand and tried to show that he wished he could help, but the only thing he could do was to show the love and sympathy that filled his loyal heart.  That night when the light was out and everything was quiet, Jan lay wide awake trying to puzzle out what it all meant, and then he heard a faint sigh and knew that the captain, on his cot, was awake, too.  So the dog rose softly and moved to the side of the narrow bed, where he stretched himself on the floor.  Presently he felt a hand touch his head and he turned quickly to caress it with his tongue.  Then he heard the old man say, “It’s bound to work out right some way, Jan!”

The next morning the captain was more cheerful, and when the postman came along the street, the old man called out, “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

The postman nodded, then said, “I have a registered letter for you, Captain.”

With surprised eyes and quick steps, the old man reached the gate and signed the card.  He turned the letter over, stared at it, then smiled and cried out, “It’s from my daughter!”

A happy smile illumined his face and his fingers were unsteady as he tore open the envelope, saying, “She and her husband went to Alaska two years ago.  I haven’t heard anything from them for six months.  You see, when winter begins up there, the river freezes solid, so no boats or mail can reach them.”