would it, Collie?"

There was another period of calling into the darkness and of silent
waiting, broken only by the wash of the little ripples against the
canoe. And then there was a spasmodic attempt at paddling, followed by
another season of prayer and a piteous plea for haste. Then the Lad
bethought himself of his father's hymn, the one he sang so often when
he was in danger; though the son often was puzzled as to what sort of
danger it was that assailed his father. There was no doubt about his
own danger just now, so the child lifted a tremulous voice and tried to
sing:--

"_My soul, be on thy guard,
Ten thousand foes arise,
The hosts of sin are pressing hard,
To draw thee from the skies!_"

But the singing was a failure. He was hoarse with crying and shouting,
and fearful that the "Bawkins" would hear, and come and carry his canoe
through the air, away, away, to the land of mists and dead people. And
the poor sounds he managed to make seemed to strike Collie as the most
grievous thing of all this disastrous voyage, for he put back his head
and howled dismally. So the Lad gave it up and took to praying again,
sure that though Father and Aunt Kirsty and Peter Fiddle were far away,
that God was near. He was wet and chilled through now, and was so
exhausted that at last his head sank on Collie's neck. He was lying
there, half asleep, when the dog suddenly gave a leap and a loud bark
that roused him in terror. He clutched Collie and held him down with
stern threats. But his terror changed to wild hope. Away behind him
was a dim yellow light making a long tunnel through the fog. And down
it a far, far voice was calling, "Roderick! Roderick, my son, where
are you?"

"Daddy! Oh, Daddy!" the boy answered with a hoarse scream. "Here I am
in the canoe with Collie!" There was no need to announce the dog's
presence, for Collie was barking madly and leaping so his little master
could hardly hold him. But he was not nearly so careful as he would
have been a few minutes before, for it did not seem to matter even if
the canoe did upset, when his father was near!

The next moment a boat swept alongside with a blinding glare of light,
and such a crowd of people!--Peter Fiddle at the oars, and young Peter
at the rudder, and Lawyer Ed! And there seemed to be lights suddenly
appearing on every side, and the whole lake was ringing with shouts!
But the boy heard only his father's voice, saw only his outs