As soon as the dog was at his side, Dick patted him, repeating,-
"Good dog! good Dingo! where's Negoro?"
The sound of Negoro's name had its usual effect; it seemed to irritate the animal exceedingly, and he barked furiously, and apparently wanted to dash into the thicket.
Harris had been an interested spectator of the scene, and now approached with a peculiar expression on his countenance, and inquired what they were saying to Dingo.
"Oh, nothing much," replied Tom; "we were only asking him for news of a lost acquaintance."
"Ah, I suppose you mean that Portuguese cook of yours."
"Yes," answered Tom; "we fancied from Dingo's behaviour, that Negoro must be somewhere close at hand."
"Why don't you send and search the underwood? perhaps the poor wretch is in distress."
"No need of that, Mr. Harris; Negoro, I have no doubt, is quite capable of taking care of himself."
"Well, just as you please, my young friend," said Harris, with an air of indifference.