In the midst of the uproar a back door opened, and in came the Doctor, a sharp-faced little man, with a troop of dogs at his heels.
"Down with you, Tiger. Be quiet, Meg. Off with you, Bess. Don't be frightened, young gentlemen, they're all educated dogs."
As soon as he could make himself heard, Mr. Hayes explained the purpose of their visit.
DR. BLANK GIVING PEPPER HIS MEDICINE.
Pepper was drawn forth from the basket, held up by the nape of his neck, and examined. The Doctor felt his body, rubbed his nose, and lifted his eyelids; then said solemnly: "A very sick dog; heart's affected; pulse irregular; lungs bad. But while there's life, there's hope, sir. I'll engage to cure him if any one can."
At this unexpected close to this ominous speech, the boys grew cheerful again, and ventured to ask where Pepper would sleep.
A large clean cage was selected, and Dick allowed to spread the carpet, put the basin in, and lay Pepper upon his bed. Thus he was installed as a regular boarder patient in the Dogs' Hospital.
"Misery loves company," it is said. If that is true, Pepper must have been pleased, for there were half a dozen sick dogs in the cages near him.
Their pet once comfortably settled, Dick and Harry, like true boys, expressed their curiosity to see and hear the histories of the other boarders. Dr. Blank condescended to gratify them.