"Not in the least," replied Mike, “and we will take care the poor beast touches no one else. Do not harm her, sir,—for pity's sake do not. I should miss her sadly."

"The Lord Mayor's commands must be obeyed," rejoined the smith, brutally.

As if conscious of the fate awaiting her, poor Bell struggled hard to get free, and uttered a piteous yell.

"You are not going to kill the dog?" interposed Leonard.

"Have you anything to say to the contrary?" rejoined the smith, in a tone calculated, as he thought, to put an end to further interference.

66

Only this," replied Leonard, "that I will not allow it."

"You won't-eh!" returned the smith, derisively.

"I will not," rejoined Leonard, "so put her down, and come along."

"Go your own way," replied the smith, “and leave me to mine."

Leonard answered by snatching Bell suddenly from his grasp. Thus liberated, the terrified animal instantly flew to her mistress.

"Is this the return I get for assisting you?"