“The ‘boya’ only takes dogs who belong to no one. He would not take yours,” said Aleko, turning Solon over on his back with his foot as he spoke.
“Do I know? Now, in this hot weather when dogs go mad, they say that the ‘boya’ gets paid one drachma for every dog he catches; and all he can lay hand on are thrown into his cart. If I had my way the dog should never stir out, but the master says he must have exercise, and if he sees me out without Solon, bad luck for me!”
“Take your dog now,” said the boy, “I must go for my newspapers.”
“Listen, Aleko.”
“Come to the house in the morning; there are some curtains to beat.”
“I will come.” Then, as he turned to go, he added, “Keep the dog by you! Do not let him stray again.”
“I have no strap,” answered Anneza.
Aleko was already some way off, but he called back over his shoulder:—
“You need not tie him. Talk to him.”