“What do you mean?”
“I know nothing more than that a large black dog came to the door with this in his mouth, which he dropped at my feet.”
“That is very strange,” said Bence.
He opened the door and looked out, but no dog was to be seen.
“Do you believe this? Can it be true?” asked Mrs. Trafton.
“I believe it is true, though I can’t explain it,” answered Ben. “Some dogs are wonderfully trained. I don’t know whom this dog belongs to, but whoever it is he doubtless has Robert under his care. Let us be thankful that he has been saved.”
“But why don’t he come home?” asked Mrs. Trafton. “Where can he be?”
“He was probably rescued in an exhausted condition. Cheer up, Mrs. Trafton. You will no doubt see your boy to-morrow.”
“I feel like giving three cheers, Mr. Bence,” said Herbert.
“Then give ’em, boy, and I’ll help you!” said old Ben.