l of the dog was heard again. He wanted his friends to
move faster. It came from a point slightly to the left.

"Here he is!" exclaimed Hugh, making a sharp turn and showing more
excitement than at any time during the evening.

"I see him! There he stands!" added Tom, stumbling forward.

With his right hand Hugh raised the lantern above his head, so that its
glare was taken from their eyes. The hound was close to a rock that
rose some six or eight feet above the ground, and his nose was pointed
toward the base of the black mass. At the same moment the men saw
something dark and light mixed together, like a bundle of clothing.
One bound and Hugh was on his knees, the lamp held even with his
forehead while he peered downward and softly drew the clothing aside.
Tom was also stooping low and leaning forward with bated breath.

There lay little Dollie Bradley, sleeping as sweetly as if nestling
beside her big brother in the warm bed at home. She must have wandered
through the woods until, worn out, she reached this spot. Then she had
thrown herself on the earth beside the rock and had fallen asleep.
Having lost her hood, her head was without any covering, except her own
native hair, which was abundant. Besides, rugged people do not need to
cover their heads while asleep, even in cold weather.

It was fortunate for Dollie that she was so warmly wrapped. One arm
was doubled under her head, and the cheek that rested on it was pushed
just enough out of shape to add to her picturesqueness. Her heavy coat
having been buttoned around her body, kept its form and could not have
been better arranged. The chubby legs were covered by thick stockings,
and the feet were protected by heavy shoes. True, she ran much risk in
lying upon the cold earth, with nothing between her and the ground, but
there was hope that no serious harm would follow.

The rock not only kept off the wind, but screened her from the snow.
It was almost certain that the little one had been asleep several hours.

Hugh gently examined the limbs and body to see whether there was any
hurt. Her peaceful sleep ought to have satisfied him, but he was not
content. Not a scratch, however, was found, though her clothing had
suffered a good deal.

"Take the lantern," said he in a husky voice to his companion. Then,
softly pushing his brawny arms under the dimpled form, he lifted it as
tenderly as its mother could have done. Tom smoothed the clothing so
as