One of the dogs had left the sheep, and came frisking
toward the hill where Pete stood. Pete had never paid much attention
to the dogs, and was surprised that either of them should note his
going, at this time. "Mebby the doggone cuss knows that I'm quittin'
for good," he thought. The dog circled Pete and barked ingratiatingly.
Pete, touched by unexpected interest, squatted down and called the dog
to him. The sharp-muzzled, keen-eyed animal trotted up and nosed
Pete's hand. "You 're sure wise!" said Pete affectionately. Pete was
even more astonished to realize that it was the dog he had roped
recently. "Knowed I was only foolin'," said Pete, patting the dog's
head. The sheep-dog gazed up into Pete's face with bright, unblinking
eyes that questioned, "Why was Pete leaving camp early in the
morning--and without the burros?"
"I'm quittin' for good," said Pete.
The dog's waving tail grew still.
"That's right--honest!"--and Pete rose.
The sheep-dog's quivering joy ceased at the word. His alertness
vanished. A veritable statue of dejection he stood as though pondering
the situation.
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