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The Colonel laid his hand upon the dog'a head.

The Airedale had been sniffing at his coat-sleeve inquiringly for several seconds. He was one of the soldier-men, like young Jean. Pierre liked him.

"Are you coming with me?" repeated the Colonel. Now the Colonel was a masterful man. When he spoke, men, dogs, and horses always obeyed.

While the question was an invitation, yet it was also a command. The Airedale lifted his eyes to his mistress. Her eyes were filled with tears.

"Go, Pierre," she said, "and God keep you both."

The Colonel put one hand upon the dog's collar and the other under his belly and lifted him to the pommel of the saddle. He saluted, touched his horse with the