HOLLY-TREE. 359 



and then they turned back, seeking in all directions, but in 

 vain : neither voice nor sound was heard. Presently I saw 

 torches gleaming through the trees, in the direction of 

 Rockly Hall, and I could dimly discern the squire, with his 

 gamekeeper and men-servants; and when they left the 

 avenue, I heard the squire calling to his dog, "Seek 

 him, Keeper !" By this time the full moon had risen, 

 and her light served to discover a black object on the 

 snow, winding about, and doubling and snuffing here and 

 there, till, having got upon the right scent, the dog 

 scoured straight on ; then, stopping suddenly, he sent 

 up a howl, such as never before had been heard by 

 even the oldest holly-tree along Rockly-ridge. Well, the 

 boy was found, and carried home ; but there was hard work 

 to bring him round, and it was many a long day before his 

 light springing step was seen on the village common. 



Now, my child, be off; I see a snow-storm gathering 

 in the west. Take care how you go ; but get across the 

 field, and into the sheltered lane, as fast as possible. 



