Benjamin and the dog rested all day on the island. The little boy ate the sweet berries that grew there, drank from a well, and at evening the alligator carried them back again to the bank and bade them a friendly farewell.
Today traveling was more difficult than it had been yesterday, for Benjamin’s feet were blistered, he groaned and complained at [[50]]every step. The dog comforted him, encouraged him, let him ride on his back a little while though the boy was too heavy and after a few minutes the dog’s bones would crack and he would have to lie down. Deep sorrow tormented the dog, surely the servants of the rich man were somewhere in the neighborhood, determined not to return home without the boy. And even if they were not found, how far was it to the north? How will we get there if Benjamin is already too tired to go further?
Toward midnight they suddenly saw a fire burning on a meadow. People must be there. The dog dragged the boy into some thick bushes, told him to keep still, crept softly toward the fire. A pot hung over the fire, and a blond man sat before it. Close by stood a wagon with large wheels, to which a brown horse was harnessed. The dog looked at the man very searchingly. He looked different from the people at home, had a very light skin, kind blue eyes; surely he was a northerner. But was he a good man? Then the dog remembered that only very good people understand the language of animals, and the dog decided to tell him the story of little Benjamin. Carefully he came closer to the fire and said softly, “Good evening, man. Are you a northerner?”
The man looked at him in surprise, but, oh joy, he had understood the words and answered, “Good evening, my friend. Yes, I am a northerner. Do you want to eat something? My supper will soon be ready.”
“I am not hungry,” replied the dog. “But I want some help.” And then he told the story of little Benjamin.
The blond man became red with anger and his eyes sparkled. This made the dog happy. “He is really a good man,” thought he, “for only good people are angered by the sufferings of other people.” When he was through speaking, the man said, “Bring your little friend here quickly. My horse has rested enough. We will [[51]]ride off immediately so that no one can capture Benjamin.”
How happy the little grey dog was! In spite of his weariness, he danced with joy, wagging his tail, and started toward the bushes where Benjamin was hidden. Then he saw something dreadful. A man came over the meadow with a dog, which ran straight towards the bushes. The grey dog howled with fright. The blond man looked up, jumped forward and called to the dog, “Keep the man back just a moment, and all will yet be well.” At that the dog ran toward the man. The man had reached the bush, with one bound the dog leaped at his throat, bit it hard, did not loosen his hold in spite of cuts and blows.