The farming area that Beth lived in was a quiet and peaceful place and it was very seldom that anyone created a disturbance of any sort, but there was a police station, with a resident policeman, Mr. Frost, in another slightly bigger township about 12 miles away. He used to travel around his area quite frequently and became friends with most of the farmers.

Beth’s Dad and Mr. Frost were very good friends, so every time he was in their neighbourhood he called in and generally stayed for a meal. Mr. Frost travelled by car and always brought with him his beautiful Irish Setter, whose name was Mac. He was a lovely animal, a glorious deep red colour, and he and Beth were very fond of one another. Mr. Frost always said that they were a well matched pair, for Beth had a curly mop of dark auburn hair, almost the same colour as Mac.

One day when Mr. Frost came to see them he was rather upset. He was having to go away for some time on Police business. He was not sure how long it would take and didn’t know what he was going to do with Mac while he was away. Beth sat quietly and waited to see if anyone had any suggestions to make, and then she asked Mr. Frost if he would leave Mac with her, and then she asked Beth’s Dad if he would be agreeable. To Beth’s delight he said it would be quite alright. Mac was to be brought over in a few days time.

Beth waited with great excitement for Mac’s arrival. Mr. Frost brought Mac’s blanket for company, and also his brush and comb for Beth to keep him well groomed. Mac loved Beth so didn’t worry about being left and soon settled down to farm life. Each day they went off together, Mac running alongside Beth’s pony, and each evening he was brushed and combed till he gleamed.

The morning milkings were started too early for such a small girl, but each afternoon, Beth on her pony, accompanied by Mac, went off to bring in the herd. At first the cows were very curious about the strange dog trotting around their paddock, and at every opportunity they would bellow and chase Mac, until in desperation he would leap through a fence. However they soon accepted him being there, and plodded on their lazy way.

Mac enjoyed going with Beth to feed the hens and ducks, and as the ducks always swam and fed down at the river, it was a wonderful excuse for a swim. Gathering the duck eggs was a game, and he was very clever at finding their nests.

Beth often had to go down the road to the little general store and collect some groceries for her Mother, and of course, Mac went too. He was a favourite with the shop-keeper, who would often give them both a treat. Mac liked sweets nearly as much as Beth. The mail had to be collected too and Mac would carefully carry home the papers.

Beth had to go to school during the week so Mac had to stay at home and wait for her. Beth’s bedroom window opened out onto a big verandah and Mac used to lie there most of the day. Somehow he knew when it was time for school to be finishing and he would then go and sit at the gate until Beth arrived home. Then there was an hour or two of fun to make up for a lonely day.

The happy days flew by, and it was a sad little girl who greeted Mr. Frost on his return.

Mr. Frost excused himself and went to speak to Beth’s Dad. Beth and Mac hoped it was going to be a long talk and disappeared to their favourite spot, down on the river bank. They sat down together and Beth stroked Mac’s soft gleaming coat. How was she going to part with him? She had always loved him but having him all to herself for these past few weeks had meant so much to her. Mac seemed to know that all was not well, and licked her face as if to say, “I love you too”, and the tears were very close. However when you are nine years old you must be brave about these things.

Just then a call from the house interrupted her sad thoughts and slowly they made their way home.

Mother had made tea and scones, and Mr. Frost told them of his trip away. He had been several years at his present place and was due for promotion, which meant moving to another district. However Mr. Frost was afraid that the shift would not be a happy one for Mac, as they would be living in quite a large town.

Beth was sitting quietly, not really listening, as she was so unhappy, when Mr Frost said, “Beth, I have asked your Dad if he would let me give Mac to you to keep, and he said yes, that is, if you would like to have him.“

“Oh yes, please, that would be wonderful. I was dreading losing him. I promised to look after him very well.“

“I’m sure you will, Beth, he looks beautiful right now and I know he’ll be much happier with you than in a town. I have decided to leave him with you right now as he looks so settled and happy.“

“Thank you so much, Mr Frost.

“Come on Mac, Cow Time.“