"Cranston," exclaimed Katie, "is there any one here from Cranston? That is where my grandmother lives."
"I know it," rejoined Irma, whereupon Katie tossed her head with a little air of exaggerated surprise, as if to say, "And how does it happen that you know anything about my grandmother?"
"But I do not know your grandmother," continued Irma. "She has been away ever since I lived there. It is only Nap,—the little dog——"
She could not bring herself to say "your little dog," even if she had been willing to admit Katie's ownership.
Instantly Katie comprehended. "Oh, you are the girl," she said, "who found my little Pat."
"Rescued him," began Aunt Caroline, who well knew the story.
"Whereby hangs a tale," added Uncle Jim.
"A dog's tail?" queried Richard, with a boy's desire to make a joke, although he didn't yet understand the story of this particular Nap.
"I am sure I am very much obliged to you for taking care of my dog," said Katie, "though my relations would have kept him for me."