“Let us show ourselves to them without our magic robes, and see if any of our old-time pets are here and will recognize us,” said the Prince.
“Bow-wow-wow!” barked a dog behind Ione and turning she saw a noble Saint Bernard with eyes beaming with love and tail wagging with joy.
“Oh, Hero! you old darling, how are you?” cried Ione.
“I am very well, I thank you,” he replied.
Hearing her old playfellow answer in a deep bass voice came almost as a shock to Ione even though she had just been told that all animals on this island talked.
“Why are you so astonished to hear me speak?” he cried. “You used constantly to say to me ‘Speak, Hero, speak, I know you can talk if you try!’”
“Yes; I know, Hero, but now that you do talk, it seems strange and you must give me time to get used to it. Did you always understand everything I said to you?”
“Indeed I did, and it nearly broke my heart when you asked me to speak and I could not. If you will come with me I will show you around and you can see other pets you used to have on Earth.”
When they turned to go they saw her Indian pony that had been her almost constant companion while with the Indians.
“And here is Whistle!” she exclaimed, patting her pony, so named because he made the wind whistle by as he ran, he was so fleet-footed. “You dear, dear pony. I am too rejoiced for words to see you again, for I never expected to lay eyes on you again.”