"Besides, they are useful creatures. They keep our streets clean of all decaying matter. By doing this, fevers and many other kinds of illness are prevented. The poor animals are a real blessing."
"I know where there are some new-born puppies," said Selim, as he was leaving Osman for the night.
"Where? Let's go and see them now. Is it near here?" cried his little friend.
"Yes, it's only a few steps."
"No, no, children," broke in Fatima, "you ought to be in your own homes this very moment. Wait till morning, and I will go with you before school-time."
"Are their eyes open yet? Does their mother seem fond of them? How many are there?" asked Osman.
But Fatima did not give Selim a chance to answer. She had already rung the bell at the door of his house, and a servant had appeared to take charge of him.
So, without stopping for anything except a kind wish to Selim for his peace and happiness, she led her own little charge home. His father had reached there before him, and was all ready to talk over the day's doings with his only child.
As the Turk sat smoking that evening, Osman described the fire he had seen, and told of the hunted dog he had met on the way home.
"He ought to have known better than to come into a strange quarter," said the boy. "It was all he could expect. Any dog that remains at home is not troubled by the others. I love the creatures; don't you, papa? They are gentle and quiet and clever."