Sherry was in no mood to play with the other children of her age. On a street-corner, leaning against the railing, set up there to protect the pedestrians from the vehicles, she was kicking carelessly at the garbage cans which had overflowed from the big plastic container kept there to throw the rubbish in.

The stone-paved street was being hit by the sunshine, and a lazy summer wind caused yellow dust to rise and ultimately trail in clouds down the avenue. Her elder sister, Marie, had not come back from the gymnasium, where she visited everyday on the pretext that she was very cautious about her physical fitness. The dreamy eyes of the little girl were gazing in the direction of the end of the street whence her sister ought to have come by this time.

Tyson was as usual with her, sitting at a little distance, intermittently wagging her tail when she saw a handsome dog pass by. She was not interested in Bolton who had endeavoured his best to woo her. Little Sherry knew that Tyson would go away with a dog and then she would be all alone.

Tyson was a female dog but a mistake had occurred during her naming ceremony. Suddenly, a little dark-black dog came trotting with an intent air down the sidewalk. A short rope was dragging from his neck. Since he was so small, he occasionally trod up the end of the rope and stumbled. Sherry noticed that the little dog had began to make acquaintance with Tyson who did not seem to be interested in the new arrival for it was comparatively just a puppy in front of her own black furry figure, all black except for a tuft of white at the end of her tail.

The little one attempted to lick Tyson’s muzzle but she snarled and the poor creature left any other further advance. Sherry smiled and a dimple appeared on her left cheek. She bent down and patted the little dog. The two regarded each other. The little dog hesitated for a moment, but presently he made some little advances with his tail. Sherry put out her hand and called him. The poor creature came close in an apologetic manner, and the two had an interchange of friendly pattings and waggles. Sherry realized that the poor dog needed to be fed. She had some money in her pocket and calculated that it was enough to buy a packet of biscuits for the little one and Tyson. She knew that Tyson would be ready to pounce upon the little dog if Sherry gave him biscuits before giving a few to Tyson.

The little dog began to eat ravenously, as if those biscuits were the last thing in this world the poor soul needed. Sherry continued to pat the little dog while he was busy consuming the last of his share. Tyson had already finished her six biscuits and she was enjoying the scene. The wag of Tyson’s tail endorsed her loyalty to Sherry but the soft grunts and snarls were evident enough to reveal her dislike of the new arrival.

Now the little dog began to play with Sherry. He capered, wagged his tail, and even licked Tyson hurriedly before being close to Tyson’s teeth. Sherry was smiling and she was really happy. She knew that if she took the dog along to her house, her father would be pleased but her mother would create a scene. She would shout and scold her.

The little dog lay on its back; it looked so comical, holding his paws peculiarly. Sherry was greatly amused, giving him taps and caresses. The little girl was so absorbed in the game that she forgot it was getting late; she did not know that her elder sister was standing above her, smiling at her. She looked up and their eyes met. The elder sister gestured with her eyes and Sherry got to her feet. It was the time to go back home. She was worried about the little dog.

Marie, Sherry, and Tyson began to amble in the direction of their house and the little chap followed. He wanted to prove his loyalty to Sherry; after all she had treated him well and fed him to his fill. The rope was still there and he frequently stumbled but he was not deterred.

Suddenly, a few young boys from the neighbourhood came running. They were trying to cross the road. The little dog got so scared that he ran in an unknown direction.