There was a buzz of excitement as my statement was feverishly confirmed.

“I agree,” said Berry.  “What’s more, he’s brought us a souvenir.”

As he spoke, he plucked something which was adhering to the terrier’s beard.

It was a tuft of slate-grey hair.

* * * * *

The “All Comers” Event was won by Nobby, who beat a French bulldog by a short head.

Neither Blue Bandala nor his owner put in an appearance.  For this a particularly curt note, bluntly requiring the return of the Sealyham’s collar, may have been responsible.

The waggoner and the lad who found him received their rewards.

So also did Thorn.  His letter of acknowledgment was addressed to Adele.

DEAR MADAM,

Thank you kindly for the 5 lbs.  I got to the dog by way of the ayloft which were in one of the stalls I undone is coller and here he run out the first dore as was open and appening on Blew Bandarlerer did not harf put it acrost him and Mr. Bason says I command you to seperate them dogs Arthur he says and Arthur fetches Blew B. one what he ment for your dog and Mr. Bason fetches him another what he ment for Arthur so the chough cort it proper.

Yours respecfully,

G.  THORN.

But for the loss of the pearls, we should have been jubilant.

* * * * *

Three days had elapsed since the dog show.

The whole of the morning and part of the afternoon I had spent in a bathroom, supervising the disconnection, severance and inspection of the waste-pipe which served the basin.  When, hot and dejected, I made my report at half-past three, Adele thanked me as prettily as if I had found the pearls.

I retired to wash and change into flannels.

It must have been two hours later when I looked up from the operation of combing Nobby and took my pipe from my mouth.

“Oh, Adele,” I said simply, “I do love you so.”

Adele put out a hand and touched my hair.

“I’m glad you do,” she said gently.

As I got upon my feet, one end of her necklace hung trailing over the edge of my trousers where I had turned them up.  They were the pair I had worn at tennis the day we had gone to the fair, and it must have fallen into the fold when we were finding the thorn.

Adele saw it too, but, when I would have stooped, she shook her head.

Then I looked into her eyes, and there found such a light that I forgot the pearls and the rolling world with them.

As she slipped into my arms, she threw back her head.

“Once, at Port Said, you kissed me,” she whispered.  “And again at Rome.”  I nodded.  “But this is your own home.”

“Yes,” I said steadily.  “And here I plight thee my troth.”

The brown eyes closed, and a glorious smile swept Into the beautiful face.