Just then a bark sounded—a friendly bark.
"It's a dog!" said Mrs. Bobbsey. "Oh, I'm so glad it wasn't—an elephant," and she hugged Freddie and Flossie.
"Pooh! I wasn't afraid!" cried Freddie. "If it had been an elephant I—I'd give him a cookie, and maybe he'd let me ride home on his back."
The animal barked louder now, and a moment later he came into sight on a moonlit part of the path. The children could see that it was a big, shaggy white dog, who wagged his tail in greeting as he walked up to them.
"Oh, what a lovely dog!" cried Nan, "I wonder where he belongs?"
The fine animal came on. Bert snapped his fingers, boy-fashion.
Instantly the dog stood up on his hind legs and began marching about in a circle on the path.
"Oh, what a queer dog!" cried Flossie. "Oh I wish he was ours!"