him just then
seemed to surprise him, and, while the boy was still crying over. him,
he struggled until he got away, when he limped over to the corn-bin as
a gentle reminder that grain would please him far better than tears.

During that day and the next Dan spent his time alternately begging for
Crippy's life and
petting him; but all to no purpose, so far as inducing his mother to
change her mind was
concerned.

On the following morning the gray goose was to be killed, and Dan could
see no way
to save him.

That afternoon he spent the greater portion of his time with the doomed
Crippy, crying and talking until all the fowls must have wondered what
the matter was, for, there being no almanac in the barn, of course they
could have no idea Thanksgiving was so near. Suddenly Dan thought of a
plan by which Crippy might be saved. It was a desperate one, and
almost frightened him as he thought it over; but with his pet's life in
the balance he could not hesitate at anything.

"I'll tell you what we'll do, Crippy," he said, as he succeeded in
making the goose remain
quietly in his arms by feeding him with corn. I' Uncle Robert lives in
New York, an' he's
awful good. I know if we could find him he could save you. Now I'll get
up in the night,
an' come out here for you. It's only seven miles, an' I'm most sure we