from calling to her father just then. She would call
presently. She must remember first what that dream was. She felt
that she ought to get up and dress, but she did not somehow wish
to move. She was strangely tired. It was her dream, she supposed.
Then she discovered that she was already fully dressed, and that
her clothing was wet, muddy and torn. And with this discovery
every incident of the night came vividly before her. She hid her
face.

After awhile, she tried to rise to her feet, but fell back weak
and dizzy, Who was that in the other room? Could it be her father?
Would he never finish scrubbing the floor in that corner? When she
could bear the suspense no longer, she called in a voice that
sounded weak and far away; "Daddy, Oh, Daddy."

Instantly the noise ceased; a step crossed the room; and the
shepherd appeared in the doorway. Placing the lamp on a little
stand, the old man drew a chair to the side of the bed, and laid
his hand upon her forehead, smoothing back the tangled hair. He
spoke no word, but in his touch there was a world of tenderness.

Sammy looked at him in wonder. Where had he come from? Why was he
there at all? And in her room? She glanced uneasily about the
apartment, and then back to the kind face of her old teacher. "I--
don't think I understand."

"Never mind, now, dear. Don't try to understand just yet. Aunt
Mollie will be here in a few minutes. Matt has gone for her. When
she comes and you are a little stronger, we shall talk."

The girl caught his hand; "You--you won't leave me, Dad? You won't
leave me alone? I'm afraid, Dad. I never was before."

"No, no, my child; I shall not leave you. But you must have
something warm to drink. I have been preparing it." He stepped
into the other room, soon returning with a steaming cup. When she
had finished the strengthening draught, Young Matt, with his
mother and father, arrived.

While helping the girl into clean, dry clothing, Aunt Mollie spoke
soothingly to her, as one would reassure a frightened child. But
Sammy could hear only the three men, moving about in the other
room, doing something and talking always in low tones. She did not
speak, but in her brown eyes, that never left the older woman's
face, was that wide, questioning look.

When Mrs. Matthews had done what she could for the comfort of the
girl, and the men had finished whatever they were doing in the
other room, Sammy said, "Aunt Mollie, I want to know. I must know.
Wo