52 
THIRD BOOR. 
top of the glen; look thraugh the night, you can 
see the candle glimmer in our own window.” Shag 
appeared obstinate for the first time in his life; 
and, at last, Halbert advanced alone, heedless of 
the warning growl of his companion. He had 
proceeded but a fewsteps when he fell over a 
precipice, which had been concealed by a snow- 
wreath, 
Malcolm repeatedly snuffed the little candle 
which he had affectionately placed so as to throw 
light over his boy’s path, replenished the fire, 
and spoke to his wife that comfort in which his 
OWN anxious heart could not participate, Often 
did he go to the door, but no footstep sounded on 
the crackling ice, no figure darkened the wide 
waste of snow, “ Perhaps the doctor is not at 
home, and he is waiting for him,” said his poor 
mother, She felt so uneasy at her child’s absence, 
that she almost forgot her own pain, It was 
ncarly midnight, when Malcolm heard the well- 
known bark of the faithful Shag. “My son, my 
son!” cried both parents at the same moment, 
The cottage door opencd, and Shag entered with- 
out his master. “ My brave boy has perished in 
the snow!” exclaimed the mother; at the same 
moment, the father saw a small packet round the 
dog’s neck, who was lying panting on the floor. 
“Our boy lives,” said the shepherd ; “here is 
the medicine tied with his handkerchief ; he has 
fallen into some of the pits, but he is safe, Trust 
in God; I will go out, and Shag will conduct me 
safely to the rescue of my child.” In an instani 
Shag was again on his feet, and testificd the mosi{ 
unbounded joy as they both issued from the cot-