Colonel Jameson laughed heartily when he saw what a pleasant meeting it was. By and by he asked,—
"How would you like to take Tony home and keep her for me?"
"O sir! I should like it very much, indeed. I would take nice care of her, and let her go to school with me every day."
"I rather think the teacher would object to such a scholar," answered the gentleman, laughing.
He then told Mrs. Colvin that he had found some business, and had a very good boarding-place; but they would not consent to keep Tony. He felt very sad to part from the dog, but as he found there were few boarding-houses, where a dog was not considered a nuisance, he was willing Frankie should take her, if his mother would consent.
It was some time before Tony could be made to understand that she was to be separated from her master. When Frankie called, she ran to him, but would instantly run back, and catch hold of the Colonel's coat for him to come, too.
You may be sure that Mrs. Colvin did not like the officer any the less because she saw a tear in his eye when he was caressing the dog. She knew that he was thinking of all the dangers they had encountered together, and also, how desolate he should feel on going to his room at night, to have no little friend there to welcome him.
At last, the lady where they were visiting proposed that the Colonel should take advantage of the time when Frankie was playing with the dog, and slip into another room, when she would go with the boy more readily.
This he did; but Tony barked and ran to the door, scratching with all her might to get it open. But when she found she could not, she allowed her next loved friend to take her in his arms and carry her away.
When they reached the cottage, she was delighted. She would jump up into a chair by Frankie, or down again, just as he bid her; but whenever the door opened, or she heard a step on the walk, her ears would be cocked up, and she would listen with all her might for her old master.