WITH CARL OF THE HILL 47 



day he had sat there waiting, and wondering why she 

 did not come with food. 



Down the long forest track the train of mourners 

 crept and the neighbours joined it as it went along. 



Close behind the cariole walked a man bareheaded, 

 whom none could recognise, though they knew it 

 must be Carl. But it seemed to be the figure of 

 an old, old man, for the broad back was bowed 

 and the hair was snowy white. And men looked 

 at one another with awe-struck faces. " It will kill 

 him," was what they said. 



But it did not kill him. For a whole year he was 

 as one dead to every interest of life, hopeless, crushed. 

 And then the time of Sunlight's birthday came round 

 again. For two whole days and nights he was seen of 

 none. Out into the forest he went, and what 

 happened there who can tell? But he came back 

 again with a light in his eyes and a smile upon his 

 features — a man transformed. And from that moment 

 he straightened himself up to take again his part in 

 the common battle of life. 



What happened in the forest who can tell ? None. 

 But a great love is wonderful in its strength and 

 patience — Carl could wait. 



