But the radiance died from the boy's face and he sank at last on the ground under a tree, looking very dejected.
Topaz bounded to his lap and Gabriel pulled the long silky ears through his hands thoughtfully.
"I thought I had found a companion," he said sadly.
"Bow-wow," responded Topaz.
"But you are a trick dog, worth nobody knows how much money, and I cannot keep you!"
"To-morrow I must begin to try to find your master. Meanwhile what am I to do with you?" The boy rose as he spoke and Topaz showed plainly that there was no doubt in his mind as to what should be done with him, for he meant to stick closely to Gabriel's heel.
The boy suddenly had an idea and began to trudge sturdily off in the direction of Mother Lemon's cottage, Topaz following close. The memory of the latter's recent mishaps was too clear in his doggish mind to make him willing that a single bush should come between him and his protector.
When they reached the little cottage, Mother Lemon sat spinning outside her low doorway.
"Welcome, my man," she said when she finally saw, by squinting into the sunlight, who it was that approached, "but drive off that dog."