le
ray from the lantern fell on a space where the ground had been scratched
up, evidently by the puppy's paws; and in that space something shone
with a dull glitter. Hildegarde bent lower, and found what seemed to be
a small brass handle, half covered with earth. She dug the earth away
with her hands, and pulled and tugged at the handle for some time
without success; but at length the sullen soil yielded, and she
staggered back against the wheel with a small metal box in her hands. No
time now to examine the prize, be it what it might. Into the apron bag
it went, and on top of it went the puppy, yelping dismally. Then slowly,
carefully, clinging with hands and feet for life and limb, Hilda
reascended the wall. Oh, but it was hard work! Her hands were already
very sore, and the heavy bundle hung back from her neck and half choked
her. Moreover the puppy was uncomfortable, and yelped piteously, and
struggled in his bonds, while the sharp corner of the iron box pressed
painfully against the back of her neck. The jutting stones were far
apart, and several times it seemed as if she could not possibly reach
the next one. But the royal blood was fully up. Queen Hildegarde set her
teeth, and grasped the stones as if her slender hands were nerved with
steel. At last! at last she felt the edge; and the next moment had
dragged herself painfully over it, and stood once more on solid ground.
She drew a long breath, and hastily untying the apron from her neck,
took poor Jock tenderly in one arm, while with the other she carried the
lantern and the iron box. Will was jumping frantically about, and trying
to reach his brother puppy, who responded with squeaks of joy to his
enraptured greeting.

"Down, Will!" said Hilda, decidedly. "Down, sir! Lie still, Jocky! we
shall be at home soon now. Patience, little dog!" And Jock tried hard to
be patient; though it was not pleasant to be squeezed into a ball while
his mistress crawled out of the hole, which she did with some
difficulty, laden with her triple burden.

However, they were out at last, and speeding back towards the farm as
fast as eager feet could carry them. Little thought had Hilda now of
spectral trees or ghostly gloom. Joyfully she hurried back, up the long
steps, along the glade, through the beach-plantation; only laughing now
when the feathery fingers brushed her face, and hugging Jock so tight
that he squeaked again. Now she saw the lights twinkling in the
farm-house, and