Duke looked as if he understood.
"They shan't take you from me. I'll go in town and see Mr. Brown. You shall go with me, Duke."
He wagged his tail as if pleased, at the promise. Beth ran for a hat, and then, with Duke, started down the road towards town.
The day was extremely sultry, and the warmth in combination with the excitement of the night before soon caused Beth to tire, but she would not give up her undertaking.
"You'd do as much to stay with me, wouldn't you, Duke?" she asked, to encourage herself.
Duke barked. Perhaps it was because he did not mind the heat and was anxious for a frolic. Beth envied his spirits. To her the way seemed very long and dusty, but on and on she trudged. She did not know exactly where Mr. Brown lived, but thought by asking she could easily find out, and so it proved.
It was a very tired, warm, and dusty little girl who finally turned in at the Browns'.
A great, overgrown puppy rushed at Beth and Duke as they opened the gate. At first, Beth could hardly believe her own eyes. It scarcely seemed possible that it was the same puppy she had given Mr. Brown such a short time before. The little fellow had outgrown all his brothers and sisters, and could no longer be rightly termed little. Duke was unaffectedly glad to see his son. Away they ran together.
"Duke, Duke, come back."
Beth's call did not bring him, but Mr. Brown came around the corner of the house.