“Ay, boy.  I’m nearer Him to-day than for many a long year.  My blessing go with you wherever you are; and now let me have Tommy, that he does not fly at your dancer, to whom I say good riddance.  Good-by, lad, good-by, and God bless you for your goodness and generosity to a lonely old creature!”

So saying, Mother Lemon took the cat in her arms, and, going into the house, fastened the door and pulled down the windows, while Gabriel went to the shed, and taking out the wooden staple released his prisoner.

Like a living nugget of gold the little dog leaped and capered about the boy, expressing his joy by the liveliest antics, barking meanwhile in a manner to set Tommy’s nerves on edge; but Gabriel ran laughing before him into the forest, not stopping until they reached the brookside, where they both slaked their thirst.  Then he put the Book of Life carefully into his blouse, and opening the package gave Topaz some of the bread and meat it contained.

All the time there was a pain in Gabriel’s heart because Topaz, by the morning light, was gayer, prettier, more loving than ever, and his clear eyes looked so trustfully into Gabriel’s that it was not easy to swallow the lump that rose in the boy’s throat at the thought of parting with him.

At last the package of food was again tied, and Gabriel was ready to start.  Topaz stood expectantly before him, his eyes gleaming softly, the color of golden sand as it lies beneath sunlit water.

The boy sat a moment watching the alert face which said as plainly as words:  “Whatever you are going to do, I am eager to do it, too.”

Gabriel thoughtfully drew the silky ears through his hands.  “God made you, too, Topaz, and He knows I love you.  If it please Him, we shall not find your master this first day.”

Then he jumped up and searched for a good stick.  He tried the temper of a couple by whipping the air, and when he found one stiff enough, ran it through the string about the bundle and looked around for Topaz.  To his astonishment the dog had disappeared.  He whistled, but there was no sign.

Gabriel’s face grew blank, then flushed as the reason of the dog’s flight flashed upon him.  It forced tears into his eyes to think that any one could have struck the pretty creature, and that Topaz could have suffered enough to distrust even him.

He threw down stick and bundle and walked around anxiously, whistling from time to time.  At last his quick eyes caught the gleam of golden color behind a bush.  Even Topaz’s fright could not take him far while a doubt remained; but he was crouching to the ground, and his eyes were appealing.  Gabriel threw himself down beside the little fellow, and for a minute his wet eyes were pressed to the silky fur, while he stroked his playmate.  Topaz licked his face, and the dog’s fear fled forever.  He followed Gabriel back to the place where the bundle was dropped, and the boy patted him while he took up the stick and set it across his shoulder.