The snow storms and the freezing nights began to pass away. Spring was near and though Rick liked winter he was glad the days were coming when he and his dog could roam over the fields and through the woods; when he could toss sticks into Weed River or Silver Lake, and have Ruddy swim out to get them and bring them back.
One day, when Rick had come home from school, after a little April shower, and when it seemed as if May flowers were just ready to bloom, he fed his pet crow, Haw-Haw, and then ran to Ruddy's kennel.
"Come on boy! Now for a run!" cried Rick.
And Ruddy, with a joyful bark, seemed to answer:
"Here I am, Rick, ready and waiting for you!"
As dog and boy ran toward the front gate, and as Rick gave his cry of "Ee-oh!" to call Chot to come out and have fun, a strange, harsh voice snapped out:
"There he is! There he is!"
And down the street came the old ragged sailor!
CHAPTER XXIII
HAPPY DAYS
Ruddy growled. Rick stood very still, and then, slowly, his hand went out to grasp his dog's collar, to hold him against being taken away. As for the ragged sailor he just stood there, smiling at Rick.