Lydia looked as if she understood what he was driving at, but said in a guileless way:
"Young sir, I am only a child, and my education is far from complete. I can, it is true, speak several languages, but I know nothing of the one you use. However, I think that with a little patience it will be possible for us to understand each other. Do you follow me?"
"Oh, perfectly!" responded Vigilant, bowing neatly.
"Very well, then," continued Lydia. "As you understand me, we shall proceed. I shall ask you some questions, and you will answer me, one bark being for 'yes,' and two for 'no.' You catch that? All right. Have you come a long way? Yes. You are, then, perhaps some young prince making a tour of the country?"
"That's it," replied Vigilant.
"Alas, I do!" answered the Dog.
"Very good! You're a young prince, I've no doubt," said Lydia, "judging from your distinguished manners, and the elegance of your speech. But this horse that is lying down there, does he belong to you?"
"Yes indeed," responded the dog emphatically.
"He is tired or sick, perhaps," continued Lydia in a tone of sympathy, "and you cannot continue your journey, eh?"