But soon after this Britain's great hero Havelock arrived, and we all
hoped then for a speedy change, and we weren't disappointed either,
Cracker.
"More fur was going to fly, Shireen?"
Yes, dear Cracker, more fur was going to fly, for in a week or two we
were embarked in a transport, and sailing up the Euphrates river to
attack the Shah's great army at Mohammerah.
This stronghold was said to be occupied by the very pink and pith of the
Persian forces, in number about fifteen thousand in all.
Among the chief regiments behind the formidable earthworks were seven of
the Shah's best and bravest including his guards, and the very flower of
his army. Some of these were commanded by a Prince of the blood royal,
and somehow or other my master found out that Beebee's father was there
also.
When my dear master told me this his eyes were sparkling with joy.
"It is just possible, Shireen," he said, "that Beebee herself may be
there, if so--"
He did not finish the sentence, but I knew what he meant.
And now, said Shireen, here come the children, so my little story must
end for a time. But you'll come again, won't you, Cracker?
"Oh, like a shot, Shireen," said Cracker, "you bet."
"Oh!" cried Tom, running up. "Come quick, Lizzie. Here is Cracker, the
dog that saved Shireen's life, and gave the butcher's bull-terrier such
a shaking. Poor doggie Cracker. Poor dear doggie, you won't bite, will
you?"
The towsy tyke looked up into the boy's face and wagged his thick, short
stump of a tail at a terrible rate, and there was so much kindness and
affection in those brown eyes of his, that Tom at once bent down and
threw his arms about his rough and grizzled neck.
Then Lizzie, who had been to fetch some milk, came and placed it down
before Cracker.
Cracker really didn't want it, but he drank it rather than anybody
should think him ungrateful.
"Mind," said Tom, "you must come to the Castle to-morrow afternoon. It
is Shireen's birthday, and we are going to give a party."
Once more Cracker wagged his tail, then he went trotting away to the
gate, gave one kindly look behind, and so disappeared.