"Don't jump to conclusions, Billy, it strains the suit; Barker will help you when you want shade or shelter by night or day."
"Isn't he rather a small dog for me to get under?" asked Billy, looking at the tiny animal Mr. Gas held out to him.
Mr. Gas stamped his foot. "More questions—listen: when night or rain comes on, drop to the ground, dig a little hole, hold Barker's nose over it and pinch his tail to make him bark. Shovel in the dirt, and of course you will have planted his bark. Well, you know what is planted must grow, so up will come the bark and the boughs, and you can shelter yourself all night beneath the singing tree."
Billy took the dog and started out of the door. "Thank you; is that all, sir?"
"Of course not," said Mr. Gas.
"Yes, sir."
"Good-bye."
"Good-bye?" asked Billy, in surprise, "I thought you said—"
"Yes, that's it; we had to say good-bye before it could be all."
"Oh! good-bye," said Billy, and going outside took a great big jump up into the air.