OAK-TUEE. 79 



wind. But the oak stood firm ; and during three days and 

 nights did the old man cling to its branches, exposed to 

 the cold, and driving rain, with only a few crusts of bread, 

 which he had taken with him. 



At length, when the sky was clear, and the waters began 

 to subside, the vine-dresser and his child went forth, to 

 seek for the old man. " We may not hope, my child/' 

 said the father, "to find him alive; but I trust that we 

 may have the consolation of laying him beside his parents."" 



The flood had not yet left the valley, but the vine-dresser 

 knew a path among the woods, which led to the hermit's 

 glen. He walked warily, for the way was dangerous, verging 

 occasionally on the edge of deep ravines, and rendered 

 slippery by the late heavy rains ; he had, in consequence, 

 sometimes to carry Annette, and always to uphold her with 

 his strong hand. Thus went on the father and his child, the 

 one looking carefully to his steps, the other carrying a small 

 basket, containing a bottle of wine and some bread; for 

 notwithstanding her father's words, she clung to the hope 



