And Dan, who was as noble-hearted a boy as the sun ever shone upon, could hold in no longer, and burst into tears.
"I am not so bloodthirsty as you may suppose," said Rich, half offended at the implied distrust.
"I didn't mean that, Mr. Richardson. We all love you, and know you are just as kind and good as can be. But—"
"But you know I like to experiment upon animals. Well, I'll do all I can for Rover, just as though he was my brother. So don't cry any more. Where is he?"
"Horace has got him at the door."
Rover indeed presented a sorry sight. His tongue was hanging out of his mouth, the broken leg hung dangling, covered with dust and blood. He whined piteously when any one even looked at it, appeared frightened, the water ran from his eyes, and he from time to time looked up beseechingly in the face of Horace, who held him by the collar.
"Poor fellow! he's crying," said Frank; and with his handkerchief he wiped the tears from his eyes. "I suppose his leg hurts him."
"Give him some water," said Rich.
The dog drank eagerly, and seemed revived.
"Now give him something to eat."