la the basket which Maggie had furnished with brandy and food he
placed the conch-shell used to summon Abram to his meals. Then, taking
down a double-barrelled breech-loading gun, he filled his pocket with
cartridges.
"What is that for?" Amy asked, with white lips, for, as he seemed the
natural leader, she hovered near him.
"If we do not find him at one of the houses well up on the mountain, as I
hope we shall, I shall fire repeatedly in our search. The reports would
be heard further than any other sound, and he might answer with his
rifle."
Leonard now entered with the doctor, who said, "All ready; we have
stored the sledge with abundant material for fires, and if Burt has
met with an accident, I am prepared to do all that can be done under
the circumstances."
"All ready," responded Webb, again putting on his coat and fur cap.
Amy sprang to his side and tied the cap securely down with her scarf.
"Forgive me," she whispered, "for saying that you took Bart's danger
coolly. I understand you better now. Oh, Webb, be careful! Think of
yourself too. I now see that you are thinking of Burt only."
"Of you also, little sister, and I shall be the stronger for such
thoughts. Don't give way to fear. We shall find Burt, and all come home
hungry as wolves. Good-by."
"May the blessing of Him who came to seek and save the lost go with you!"
said the aged father, tremulously.
A moment later they dashed away, followed by Burt's hound and the
watch-dog, and the darkness and storm hid them from sight.
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