human
Where did you get him?
gpt
He was right here--on the steps waiting for me, answered Rick.
human
I hoped he'd be here when I woke up, but I couldn't be sure. You see I didn't pray very long--only one night.
gpt
Richard Dalton! You didn't pray for a dog; did you?
human
Course I prayed for a dog, Rick answered.
gpt
Isn't it all right to pray for what you want?
human
You can't keep him,
gpt
Why not? and there was alarm in Rick's tone and glance as he stopped patting the brown head and looking into the brown eyes of Ruddy.
human
Why can't I keep my dog?
gpt
Because he isn't yours,
human
But he came to me--in the night. Maybe he came up out of the sea, like Mazie said. Anyhow he was here waiting for me. Course he's my dog!
gpt
No, Rick dear, answered his mother.
human
This may be a nice dog, and you may like him very much, but he must belong to someone else.
gpt
Then couldn't I keep him 'till someone comes for him? asked the boy.
human
He likes me--look how he stays with me.
gpt
Yes, a puppy will stay with anyone, said Mrs. Dalton.
human
But I don't want you to have a dog, Rick. I'm afraid of them.
gpt
Not this one--not--not Ruddy! exclaimed Rick, giving the dog that name as it seemed best to fit him.
human
Why he'd just love Mazie! He wouldn't bite her and he can't scratch like a cat. Please, mother, let me keep this dog! He's mine! He came to me in the night! He was here waiting for me when I came down to see if I'd got one!
gpt
Well, you may keep him until after breakfast, anyhow, she said.
human
I expect he's hungry. Give him some milk, and then get washed for your own meal.
gpt
Couldn't he have some meat, too?
human
I'll see if I can find him a few scraps. Too much meat isn't good for little dogs. Milk is better. But this isn't such a puppy as I thought at first. I'll see what I can find for him.