she believe
her ears? Through the howling storm came a word uttered in a voice which
her woman's heart at once recognized. The word was "Mandy," and the
voice was Hiram's.

"What on earth is he out in this storm for?" said Mandy to herself. She
called back in response, "Hello! Hello! Hello!" and once more her own
name was borne to her through the beating, driving storm.

She shut the door and resumed her post at the window. Hiram was still
struggling manfully against the storm and had made considerable
progress.

Mandy turned to Mrs. Crowley and said, "Mr. Maxwell is coming, Mrs.
Crowley."

"More fool he," remarked Mrs. Crowley, "to be out in a storm like this."

"Get some cider, Mrs. Crowley," said Mandy, "and put it on the stove. He
will need a good warm drink when he gets here."

"If he was a son of mine he'd get a good warmin'," said Mrs. Crowley, as
she went down cellar to get the cider.

Mandy still strained her eyes at the window. The dark form was still
visible, moving slowly through the snow. At that moment a terrific storm
of wind struck the house; it made every window and timber rattle; great
clouds of snow were swept up from the ground to mingle with those coming
from above, and the two were thrown into a whirling eddy that struck the
poor traveller and took him from his feet, covering him from sight.
Mandy rushed to the door and opened it. This time she did not scream
"Hello." The word this time was "Hiram! He is lost! He is lost!" she
cried. "His strength has given out; but what shall I do? I could not
reach him if I tried. Oh, Hiram! Hiram!" and the poor girl burst into
tears. She would call Mr. Pettengill; she would call Cobb's twins; she
would call Mr. Sawyer; one of them would surely go to his assistance.

She turned, and to her surprise found Swiss by her side, looking up at
her with his large, intelligent eyes. Quick as lightning, Uncle Ike's
story came back to her mind. She patted Swiss on the head, and pointed
out into the storm.

Not another word was needed. With a bound Swiss went into the snow and
rapidly forward in the direction of the road. Mandy was obliged to close
the door again and resume her place at the window. How her heart beat!
How she watched the dog as he ploughed his way through the drifts? He
must be near the place. Yes, he is scratching and digging down into the
snow. Now the dark form appears once more. Yes, Hiram is on his feet
again and man and dog resume their fig