And now parting time came, and farewells were said, the Queen saying she should live in hopes of seeing them back again.
“God bless you all, my children.”
“And God bless you, Queen Bertha.”
With ringing British cheers, the little band playing “Good-bye, Sweetheart, Good-bye,” the Highland Mary sailed slowly, and, it appeared, reluctantly, away from the Isle of Flowers. At sunset it was seen but as a little blue cloud low down on the western horizon.
To Matty’s surprise the two great dogs made friends with each other at once, and every day during that long voyage homewards they romped and played together, with merry Matty as their constant companion, and never quarrelled even once.
British shores and the snow-white steeples and spires of bonnie Aberdeen at last! The first thing that Reginald did was to hire a carriage, and, accompanied by Annie and the honest dog Oscar, drive straight to McLeod’s cottage.
To their surprise and alarm they found the house empty and the windows boarded up.
“Oh, Annie!” cried Reginald. “I fear the worst. Your poor uncle has gone.”
Annie had already placed her handkerchief to her eyes.