The man looked proudly around upon the company.

“Well,” said Mr. Evringham to Jewel, “he is a dog of high degree, like Gabriel’s, isn’t he?  But he’s such a big fellow I think the organ-grinder wouldn’t have such an easy time with him.”

At the broker’s voice, the dog walked up to him and wagged his feathery tail.  Jewel’s eager hands went out to touch him, but Mr. Evringham held her back.

“He’s a friendly fellow,” he went on; then continued to the man, “Would you like to sell him?”

The question set the little girl’s heart to beating fast.

“I would, first rate,” replied the man, grinning, “but the trouble is I’ve sold him once.  I’m taking him to his owner now.”

“That’s a handsome collar you have on him.”

“Oh, yes, it’s a good one all right,” returned the man.  “The dog is for a surprise present.  The lady I’m taking him to is going to know him by his name.”

“Let’s have a look at it, Jewel,” said Mr. Evringham, and he took hold of the silver collar, a familiarity which seemed rather to please the golden dog, who began wagging his tail again, as he looked at Mr. Evringham trustingly.

Jewel bent over eagerly.  A single name was engraved clearly on the smooth plate.

“Topaz!” she cried.  “His name is Topaz!  Grandpa, mother, the golden dog’s name is Topaz!”

Mrs. Evringham held up both hands in amazement, while Harry frowned incredulously.

“Did you ever hear of anything so wonderful, grandpa?  How can the lady know him by his name so well as we do?” The child was quite breathless.

“What?  Do you know the name?” asked the man.  “Supposing I’d hit on the right place already.  Just take a look under his throat.  The owner’s name is there.”

Jewel fell on her knees, and while Mr. Evringham kept his hand on the dog’s muzzle, she pushed aside the silky white fur.

“Evringham.  Bel-Air Park, New Jersey,” was what she read, engraved on the silver.

She sat still for a minute, overcome, while a procession of ideas crowded after each other through the flaxen head.  It was her birthday; grandpa couldn’t get the boat under the tablecloth.  This beautiful dog—­this impossibly beautiful dog, was a surprise present.  He was for her, to love and to play with; to see his tricks every day, to teach him to know her and to run to her when she called.  If she was given the choice of the Whole world on this sweet birthday morning, it seemed to her nothing could be so desirable as this live creature, this playmate, this prince among dogs.

When she looked up the man in the checked suit had disappeared.  She glanced at her father and mother.  They were watching her smilingly and she understood that they had known.

She looked around a little further and saw Mr. Evringham seated, his hand on the collie’s neck, while the wagging, feathery tail expressed great contentment in the touch of a good friend.