and lulled unconsciously by the soft "sough" of
the wind in the pines, he fell asleep. Pine-tree Hollow was all in
shadow when he awoke, but when he had gone a few steps, he saw the
sunlight lying on the high hills to the east. His first thoughts were
of what might have been happening at home while he slept, and he
quickened his steps.

And as he walked he was conscious that his sleep had done him good. He
was stronger and calmer, and could command his thoughts again, and he
hurried eagerly on. The sight of Katie passing quietly out and in to
the dairy quieted him still more. It must be well with grannie or Katie
would not be there.

"Well, my lassie?"

"Yes. Grannie has been sleeping, but she is awake now, and has been
asking for you. Mother is with her now."

He went into the house slowly and quietly. Katie's mother was sitting
by the bed, with her sad eyes fastened on the face of the grandmother,
who seemed to have fallen into slumber again.

"She has been wandering a little, I think," said Mrs James.

"Wandering?" repeated Mr Fleming drearily.

Grannie opened her eyes, and looked first at one and then at the other.

"No, my dear, it wasna that I was wandering. I was dreaming, I think--a
strange grand dream--of a far country. And--Dawvid--I saw our Katie
there, and her little bairn--and I saw our Hughie, and James, and many
another. But I saw them first and best; and we have no cause to fear."

Even as she spoke her eyes closed again. The old man sat down with a
sinking heart. Did not these sound like "last words?" Had she not got
a first glimpse of the "far country" to which she was hastening? How
vain to struggle against God, he thought. He never uttered a word. His
daughter-in-law looked at him with compassionate eyes that he could
hardly bear. Katie came in with a glass of milk in her hand.

"She is not asleep again, is she? Well, I must waken her, because she
must take something. The sleeping is good for her, but she must take
something to keep up her strength. Grannie dear, take this," and she
raised her gently.

She opened her eyes and smiled.

"Oh, ay! I'll take it. And I could take a bit of bread, I think."

"Well, mother will bring a bit." But Katie was greatly surprised.

"I think I'm better, if I were only stronger a bit," said grannie.

Over Katie's bright face Mr Fleming saw the grave face of her mother,
and though he knew that it was her way rather to fear than