“Don’t you think Prince is a very brave dog, Miss Amanda? You know, he’s almost like those Saint Bernard dogs that live in the Yalps and carry blankets and cunning little barrels around their necks to folks that get lost in the snow. You have seen pictures of ’em, haven’t you, Miss Amanda?” “Yes, my dear,” agreed the pretty nurse, smiling. “Only I never knew what the barrels were for,” admitted Carolyn May. “Now, if the dogs found the poor men in the water, drownding, maybe the barrels would float and help keep ’em from sinking.” “I hardly think it probable that the barrels were for that purpose,” said Miss Amanda, laughing. “Anyway,” urged Carolyn May, “Prince is just as brave as those other dogs.” “Indeed, yes,” agreed the woman. “And I think that a certain little girl is very brave, too.” “Oh, but I couldn’t have got the poor gentleman here, if it hadn’t been for Prince.” “Quite true. And he deserves a reward for that. We’ll call him in and give him a party,” said Miss Amanda. “I have been saving some chicken bones for him.” “Oh, my dear!” cried Carolyn May, “he just adores chicken bones. You are the very kindest lady, Miss Amanda! I love you, heaps and heaps—and so does Prince.” Darkness came on apace. The sky had become overcast, and there was promise of a stormy night—more snow, perhaps. But Miss Amanda would not allow Carolyn May and Prince to start for home at once. “Watch for your uncle, Carolyn May, out of the front-room window, and be all ready to go with him when he comes along,” said Miss Parlow. “No, it isn’t time for him yet. When the clock says ten minutes to five you can begin to look for him.” “Oh, my! Miss Amanda,” said Carolyn May wonderingly, “how well you know his time for coming home, don’t you?” Miss Amanda blushed and did not appear to think that question needed an answer. After that she seemed much preoccupied in mind. When Uncle Joe came along, Carolyn May ran out and hailed him from the porch. “Wait for me, Uncle Joe! Wait for me and Princey, please! Just let me get my mittens and Prince’s harness and kiss Miss Mandy.” That last she did most soundly, and in full view of the man waiting in the white road. Miss Amanda’s tenderness, as she knelt on the porch to button Carolyn May’s coat, was marked by the hardware dealer—and also her shining brown hair and her eyes so bright and sparkling. But he made no comment on this picture when his little niece joined him. “Oh, Uncle Joe, I’ve got just the wonderfulest story to tell you! Shall we harness Prince up again, or will you——” “I can’t wait for the dog, Car’lyn May. I’m in a hurry. You oughtn’t to be out in this wind, either. Get aboard your sled, now, and I’ll drag you myself,” Mr. Stagg interrupted. She obeyed him gaily. When he started off, she turned to wave her mittened hand to Miss Amanda, who still stood on the porch. But the door of the carpenter shop, where a lamp burned, was shut tightly.