It would be pleasant to wake up in the morning and smell the fields and the Bay. Not the horrible odors of narrow streets. Dust and dirt and cooking things!
| TONY TRIED TO EXPLAIN EVERYTHING |
He must go bravely to the front door and ring the bell. He must confess to Anna's father all that he had done. He was ready to take his punishment like a brave soldier of Italy!
"Good-day."
The front door opened. Anna's mother stood there with Anna close beside her.
When Anna caught sight of her pet, she cried out, "Niki! Oh, I thought you were lost! I thought the naughty boy had stolen you! Come to me, Niki!"
She held out her arms. But Tony drew Tina away from her. Why did his throat feel so full and queer? Why did his nose tickle and his eyes blur with tears?
No! No! He could not give up his Tina! Anna had everything and he had only this little dog! It was not fair.
He planted his poor, wobbly legs as sturdily as he could. His dark eyes flashed at the little girl.
"Do not touch her!" he cried. "She bites!"