It was in writing, and he could not read it very easily, it was so high.

So he got a chair, and stood up in it, and read as follows:-- "'DOG LOST.
"'_Strayed or stolen from the subscriber, a valuable dog, of large size and black color_.' "I wonder if it isn't Franco," said Jonas, interrupting himself in his reading.
"'_He had on a brass collar marked with the owner's name_.' "No," said Jonas, "there was no collar.

But then the man that stole him might have taken it off.
"'_Answers to the name of Ney_.' "Ney, Ney," said Jonas,--"I never called him Ney.

I wonder if he would answer, if I should call him Ney.
"'_Is kind and docile, and quite intelligent_.' "Yes," said Jonas, "I verily believe it is Franco.
"'_Any person who will return said dog to the subscriber, at his residence at Walton Plain, shall be suitably rewarded_.
"'JAMES EDWARDS.' "I verily believe it is Franco," said Jonas, as he slowly got down from the chair,--"Walton Plain." He stood a moment, looking thoughtfully into the fire.
"Yes," he repeated, "I verily believe it is Franco.

I wonder where Walton Plain is." Jonas had learned from Mr.Holiday, that it was never wise to communicate important information relating to private business, unless necessary.