“So do I.” Then lifting an eager, sparkling face, he continued, “They’re shinin’ now, ’cause I found you.”
“Where’re your folks?” asked Jinnie, swallowing hard.
“I dunno. I lost ’em a long time ago, and went to live with Mag. She licked me every day, so—I just runned away—I’ve been here a awful long time.”
Jinnie considered a moment before explaining an idea that had slipped into her mind as if it belonged there. She would take him home with her.
“You’re going to Lafe’s house,” she announced presently. “Happy Pete and me and Peg live at Lafe Grandoken’s home. Peggy makes bully soup.”
“And I’m so hungry,” sighed the boy. “Where’s the dog I heard barking?”
He withdrew his hands, moving them outward, searching 101 for something. The girl tried to push Pete forward, but the dog only snuggled closer to her.
“Petey, dear, I’m ashamed of you!” she chided lovingly. “Can’t you see the little fellow’s trying to feel you?”
Then Happy Pete, as if he also were ashamed, came within reach of the wavering hands, and crouched low, to be looked over with ten slender finger tips.
“He’s awful beautiful!” exclaimed the boy. “His hair’s softer’n silk, and his body’s as warm as warm can be.”