But I hadn't gone far, before I
met Mr. Slade's great bull-dog, Nero, and he growled at me so
dreadfully that I was frightened and ran back home. Then I started
again, and went away round by Mr. Mason's. But there was Nero in
the road, and this time he caught my dress in his mouth and tore a
great piece out of the skirt. I ran back again, and he chased me
all the way home. Just as I got to the door. I looked around, and
there was Mr. Slade, setting Nero on me. As soon as I saw Mr.
Slade, though he looked at me very wicked, I lost all my fear, and
turning around, I walked past Nero, who showed his teeth, and
growled as fiercely as ever, but didn't touch me. Then Mr. Slade
tried to stop me. But I didn't mind him, and kept right on, until
I came to the tavern, and there you stood in the door. And you
were dressed so nice. You had on a new hat and a new coat; and
your boots were new, and polished just like Judge Hammond's. I
said: 'Oh father! is this you?' And then you took me up in your
arms and kissed me, and said: 'Yes, Mary, I am your real father.
Not old Joe Morgan--but Mr. Morgan now.' It seemed all so strange,
that I looked into the bar-room to see who was there. But it
wasn't a bar-room any longer; but a store full of goods. The sign
of the 'Sickle and Sheaf' was taken down; and over the door I now
read your name, father. Oh! I was so glad, that I awoke--and then
I cried all to myself, for it was only a dream.
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