stars were reflected from it. But it
seemed more restful to lie there waiting, and, cold as he was, it was a
dull, numbing cold that was far less painful than trying to move.

All at once he shivered with dread, for there was a rushing sound as of
some creatures galloping, and he could hear faint snortings and the
panting of heavy breath.

Some herd of wild animals had gone by. It could not be sheep, for the
movement was too swift; but once more all was silent, and he was sinking
into a half-drowsy condition, more resembling the approach of stupor
than sleep, when he started back into wakefulness, for he heard in the
distance the sharp barking of a dog.

This died away, grew louder, died away again, and then seemed to be
coming steadily nearer and nearer, but, as it approached, so did the
stupefying sensation, till the barking died right away; the stars were
again blotted out, and Max knew no more till he started to himself again
in alarm, as the cold, wet nose of a dog was touching his face. There
was a quick snuffling about him, and then there was a loud burst of
barking, and he felt that the dog who barked was standing with his
forepaws on his chest. "Dirk," he said feebly; "is it you, Dirk?" The
dog gave a whining cry, licked at his face, and then barked again with
all his might.

Then there was silence, and from out of the distant darkness came a low
hail.

The dog barked again sharply, and stopped, when there was the hail again
more loudly, and this was repeated at intervals as the dog scuffled
about, running a little way to bark, and then coming, back to plant his
paws on Max's chest.

All this now seemed part of a dream, till he was roused again by hearing
a panting sound, feeling his hand seized, and then hearing a familiar
voice shout,--

"Father, ahoy! Tavvy, ahoy! Here he is!" and, as the dog whined and
barked again, there were faint hails from the distance. Then these grew
louder, and the next thing Max heard was,--

"Oh, Maxy, old lad!" and a warm hand was laid upon his brow.

Then there was more hailing, and barking, and an impatient muttering,
and then there were deeper voices talking close by where he lay, and, as
if in part of his dream, something hot and strangling seemed to be
trickling down his throat.

"There," said a deep voice which seemed very familiar, "she'll ket the
plaidie round the laddie when she's cot her on her pack, and that and ta
whusky'll warm her."

"I'll car