176 Edward Reaches a Haven. [cuap. x. 
rections across the moor. At last he ran straight forward, 
without paying any regard to tracks. By continuing in 
this course he eventually came to a road—a gladsome sight, 
because it must lead to some dwelling or other. But which 
way should he go? He knew nothing of the direction of 
the road, for he had altogether lost his reckoning, and ev- 
ery landmark was invisible. 
After a few moments’ consideration, he bethought him 
of the direction in which Huntly might possibly lie; and 
as that town was his intended destination, he faced about, 
as he thought, in that direction, and commenced running 
again at full speed. After having run for about a mile, he 
came in sight of his destined haven—a house. It stood on 
a slight elevation, with its back to the road, and was sur- 
rounded by a turf-and-stone wall. Collecting his remain- 
ing strength, he ran up the slope, cleared the dike at a 
bound, and rushed into the house without further cere- 
mony. 
He found two little maidens inside, who looked rather 
frightened at his sudden appearance. And no wonder! 
He must have looked more like a lunatic than a naturalist. 
Being completely exhausted, he threw himself right down 
on a seat without speaking a single word. When he re- 
covered his breath, he asked pardon of the little damsels for 
running in so unceremoniously; “he had been overtaken 
by the storm.” He asked them if he might be allowed to 
rest there until the storm ceased ? 
“J dinna ken,” said one of the girls; “oor mither’s nae 
in. She’s oot breakin’ sticks; but,” she added, “I dare 
say ye may.” 
There was a good fire of sods and peats on the floor. 
Edward went toward it, with his dripping clothes, to dry 
himself. He now began to look at his belongings. He 
first took off his hat, which was the hiding-place for many 
of his treasures. He found that the bundles of rare moss 
which he had picked up on the moor, and also the flies 
