Chapter VI: Tony's Love for Her Master

I AM sure the little boys and girls who read this, will be glad to know that good care, nourishing food, and Frankie's caresses, at last restored Tony; though it was a long time before she could run and jump as she had before. It was quite affecting to see her try to spring after Frankie's ball when he bid her bring it to him. She would seem to forget for a moment how feeble she was, and then, quite exhausted, she would lie down puffing and panting for breath, but keeping her eyes on her master as if to say, "I would obey you, if I could."

Then Frank would blame himself for telling her to do it; and he would ask her pardon, and kiss her over and over again. Oh, they were very good friends, indeed!

Frankie's school was about a quarter of a mile from the house. Before Tony was stolen, she used to go with him until they were in sight of the school-house, and then scamper back as fast as she could go; but now Tony was not allowed beyond the gates.

The faithful creature seemed to know when it was time for Frank to come home. The first day she could crawl down the yard, she stationed herself where she could see far down the road, and at the first glimpse of his figure, began to bark out her welcome.

One day, for whispering, he was kept after school was dismissed. Tony watched and watched, and, after Eddy came home, showed great impatience. She even stole through the gate, and walked cautiously toward the school-house.

At last Frankie came in sight, not running and jumping as usual; but walking slowly, with his handkerchief at his eyes.

Tony was sure, now, that something was the matter. She sprang up, licked his hand, and tried, in every way that a dog could try, to show her sympathy.

Frankie was a proud boy; that is, he would not like anybody to know that he had been punished, and was crying for it; but he didn't mind telling his troubles to Tony.

"It was real mean of the master," he began, "to ferule me for just saying one word. Sam Lambert asked me to lend him my new ball; and I said it was at home. Master punished me; but Sam got nothing but praise."

Tony had the poor, swollen hand now, and was kissing it with all her might.

"Well," Frankie went on, "after all, I had rather have a good whipping every day, than to lie as Sam does. The master will find him out some time; and if he don't, God sees him. I'd be afraid ever to go to sleep, if I was such a liar."

They were now nearly home, and Frankie concluded to wet his handkerchief at the pump and wipe his eyes before he presented himself in the parlor.

Tony stood by, looking very wishful; and then they went in together. During all the intermission, Tony did not leave her master a minute; but watched him closely, every now and then standing on her hind feet to lick his hand.

When the boy started to go to school, she held the skirt of his coat in her mouth as if she were afraid he would be hurt again.

"Frankie Colvin, you may walk up to the desk," called out the master, when all the boys had taken their seats.

Poor Frankie began to tremble, but instantly obeyed.

"Samuel Lambert, take your place by his side."

"Now," continued the teacher, "I wish you, Samuel, to tell me exactly the words Frank Colvin whispered to you this morning."

"I can't remember exactly, sir." Sam's face was as red as fire.

"You may tell, Frank."

"He said, 'Will you let me take your new ball at recess?' and I told him that I had left it at home."

"Yes, those were the words. I can believe you, Frank, for I have never known you to tell a lie. You may take your seat."

"Now, Samuel, let me tell you, that I heard you boasting to the boys that you got off from a whipping by a nice little white lie as you called it. There are no white lies. Every lie is, in God's sight, black; and he has told us how he will punish liars who do not repent and forsake their sins. You broke the rule of the school by whispering to your companion, and thus tempting him to answer; and you have done what was far worse, and broken God's holy law. You denied that you had whispered, and bore false witness against your neighbor. How mean for you to sit by and see him punished for an offence which you had led him to commit! I am distressed that I have such a scholar, and shall be compelled to punish you as you deserve."

He then took a ruler from his desk, and punished Samuel on both hands,—the boy yelling with all his might, while poor Frankie laid his head on the desk before him and cried.

When Sam returned to his seat, he raised the cover of his desk to screen his burning cheeks. He was very, very angry; and, if he had dared, would have been glad to knock Frankie down for daring to tell the truth against him.

It was very hard for the good boy to study his lesson, while his seat-mate was muttering so angrily behind the cover; but, remembering his victory over himself with his music lesson, he bent his whole mind to the task, and soon learned all the map questions in his geography lesson.

The class was called to recite directly after recess; and Frankie was standing in front of the teacher, when he heard a familiar bark, and suddenly Tony bounded into the room and rushed up to him.

Then there was a knock at the door, and presently Colonel Jameson and Mrs. Colvin walked in and took seats on the platform.

You can easily imagine how glad Frankie was that he had learned his lesson so perfectly. He stood very erect, his eyes sparkling, his cheeks rosy-red, and was ready with every answer, the moment the question was asked.

"Your class appears uncommonly well," remarked the visitor. "I am glad to see that a little friend of mine is so studious."

"Bow! Wow! Wow!" barked Tony. "So am I, — so am I."

Mrs. Colvin smiled and was very happy. Nothing makes mothers so happy as to have their children do well.