Bertie had gone off and left Vick. He was so eager to see the soldiers
parade that he forgot all about him. This had never happened before.
When Uncle Ned gave Vick to Bertie mamma said: "Now, Bertie, you must
take the care of Vick. If a boy has a dog he must learn to care for
him. You must see that Vick is fed. You must bathe and comb him every
day; and you must give him plenty of exercise."
But as I said, Bertie had forgotten Vick that day. Vick did not know
what to make of it. His heart was almost broken.
"This is too bad!" he howled. "Here am I shut up with two saucepans
and a dummy. No water to drink--no bone to gnaw--no little master to
play with--wow-ow-ow-ow!"
What a dismal howl it was! Mamma heard him; she was in the kitchen
making sponge cake. She could not leave it for a moment. But as soon
as it was baked she let Vick out.
There was Bertie just coming round the corner! He looked quite
ashamed. Yes, he had thought of Vick at last. He had come home for
him.
Did Vick forgive him? Doggies always forgive. They have loving and
generous hearts. He scrambled all over Bertie and licked his hands and
his face and off they went to see the soldiers--a very happy pair.
Do you think Bertie ever forgot Vick again?
Do you ever forget to care for your pets?
[Illustration: IT WAS FUN TO SEE THEM EAT.]