Richard began to stamp his feet and try to scare it; but
as he could not chase it away, he threw stones at the poor little thing.
"A stone struck the puppy on his head, and hurt him very badly; for he
began to turn round and round, whining and howling pitifully. Richard
laughed, as if he thought it a great joke.
"'Shame on you!' cried James, 'for treating a poor little puppy like that!'
"'You're a sissy,' said Richard, 'or you wouldn't care.'
"'You may call me what you please,' said James, 'but I shall never hurt
a poor little dog that can't help himself. Maybe he's lost.'
"With that, he lifted the little creature in his arms and carried him
home. The puppy's head was bleeding where Richard had struck him with
the stone. James washed the blood away and gave the little dog something
to eat, talking to him kindly and petting him all the while.
"When his father came home that evening, he told James that the puppy
showed marks of being a very good dog; and that if the owner never came,
he might keep him for his own.
"James was delighted. He named the dog Rex, and at once began to teach
him to do all sorts of tricks. Rex learned to walk on his hind feet, sit
up straight and beg for something to eat, play 'dead dog,' roll over,
chase his tail, and run through a hoop.
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