166 PEARLS AND PEBBLES. 



swamp that I had entered ; the path, too, grew narrower 

 and darker. 



" My first impulse, when I heard that terrible sound, 

 was to turn and flee for my life, but all my strength 

 failed me at once, and I was compelled to sit down on 

 the trunk of a fallen tree to recover myself. I remember 

 crying out aloud, ' Alone, lost ! lost in these dreadful 

 woods, to perish by the fangs of wolves. What, what 

 shall I do ? Lord, save me, a poor lone wanderer ! 

 my God, help me ! ' Such, dear friend, was my agonized 

 prayer as I sat there in the dark forest. 



" Then came the rapid sound of some animal rushing 

 toward me at full speed, crashing the dry branches as it 

 came. I felt that to escape was impossible, and started 

 to my feet, while the wild beating of my heart was so 

 loud that I heard no other sound. 



" You may judge of the relief I experienced when my 

 dear dog, my faithful Nelson, bounded towards me 

 almost as panting and breathless as his terror-stricken 

 mistress. 



" You know I do not often indulge in tears, even when 

 overwhelmed with trouble, but in this instance I fairly 

 cried — but it was for joy — and I lifted up my heart in 

 fervent thankfulness to Him who in His mercy and pity 

 had guided my dumb protector through the tangled 

 bush to my side that night. I could not help saying, 

 ' Come, dear old Nelson, you have made a man of me ! 

 I shall fear neither wolf nor bear while I have you 



