"'Poor dog! I fear he wants food,' went on Nell. 'I mean to give him a bit to eat, Fred.'
"'Let me feed him too!' cried the boy. 'Here, take my knife and cut some bread for him.'
"Nell took a loaf from the bag on her arm, and with Fred's knife cut off a good thick slice. She gave half to him, and they broke it in bits and fed me by turns.
"'You dear pet,' said Nell, with a sigh, 'how I wish I could take you with me! But we are too poor; it can not be.'
"'Oh! don't you think mam-ma would let us have him?' cried Fred.
"'No, dear,' said Nell; 'we must not think of it. Come, bid the dog good-by, and let us make haste home.'
"I could but lick her hand to thank her for the food, and as I could rise now, I felt that it was best to run on.
"Good-by, dear doggy!"—[P. 78].