dog giving tongue, as if on a scent. It came nearer and nearer
to him, and Edward remained to see what it might be. In a moment more
he perceived his own dog, Smoker, come bounding out of a neighbouring
copse, followed by Humphrey and Pablo. Edward hallooed. Smoker sprang
towards him, leaping up, and loading him with caresses, and in another
moment he was in Humphrey's arms.

"Oh, Edward, let me first thank God!" said Humphrey, as the tears
started and rolled down his cheeks. "What a night we have passed! What
has happened? That dear fellow Pablo thought of putting Smoker on the
scent; he brought out your jacket and showed it to Smoker, and gave it
him to smell, and then led him along till he was on your footsteps; and
the dog followed him, it seems, although it has been round and round in
every direction, till at last he has brought us to you."

Edward shook hands with Pablo, and thanked him. "How far are we from
the cottage, Humphrey?"

"About eight miles, I should say, Edward; not more."

"Well, I have much to tell you, and I must tell it to you in few words
before I go farther, and afterwards I will tell you all in detail."

Edward then gave a succinct narration of what had occurred, and, having
thus prepared Humphrey and Pablo for what they were to see, led the way
back through the thicket to the cottage inside of it. Humphrey and
Pablo were much shocked at the scene of slaughter which presented itself
to their eyes; and, after having viewed the bodies, they began to
consult what had best be done.

The proposal of Edward, that Humphrey should go over and make known the
circumstances to Oswald, that they might be communicated to the
Intendant, was readily acceded to; and Pablo, it was agreed, should go
home and tell Alice and Edith that Edward was safe.

"But now, Humphrey, about this boy; we cannot leave him here."

"Where is he?"

"He still sleeps, I believe. The question is, whether you should ride
over with the pony or walk, and leave Pablo to return with the pony and
cart; for I will not take the boy away or leave the house myself without
removing the property which belongs to the boy, and of which I will make
inquiry when he wakes. Besides, there is money, by what the robbers
stated, which of course must be taken care of for him."

"I think it will be best for me to walk over, Edward. If I ride, I
should arrive too late in the afternoon for anything to be done till
next morning, and if