it not strange that the
runic characters are in so many places in this castle? See, here are
more of them, exactly the same as I saw when we were in Norway."

"Yes," replied Mrs. Carleton; "everything tells us we are in the north,
and also tells us we are alone. We may have to remain here, we know not
how long, perhaps years; and then, too, we have something else to
consider. These trees show that the winters in this region are very
severe, as do also the rents in the rocks that we clambered among on our
way up to the castle. Those great fissures were all caused by the action
of intense frosts, by such a degree of cold as you and I have no idea
of, excepting from what we have read. In a climate like this, we know
the winter sets in early, so I think, Miss Vyvyan, the only thing we can
do is to prepare for it immediately as soon as we can."

"I see; everything is exactly as you say," replied Anna, "and now let me
ask you a favor. I am stronger physically than you are, and I beg you to
allow me to undertake the heavier share of our occupation. Let me do all
that requires to be done outside the castle, such as getting wood and
water, and whatever we may want from the wreckage, and you take charge
of the inside of our present home, in which you must allow me to help
you. I understand you already, and I believe you would do everything
and endure all the fatigue without a murmur, but that is impossible; you
have not the strength, and you must try to be well for the sake of your
dear child."

Mrs. Carleton endeavored to remonstrate with Miss Vyvyan about the
division of the toil, which was so new and strange to each of them, for
she was born with a great generous heart that was ready and willing to
do and die for others; but Anna would not listen to her sweet pleadings,
although in her soul she admired them.

"Bow wow," said the little one, pointing down to the forest.

The ladies looked over the battlements and, to their horror, saw three
wolves creeping stealthily along under the shadow of the great pines
below. They thought instantly of the fallen door at the entrance, and
hastened down the tower stairs as far as the room hung with green velvet
tapestry, where they had passed the night, and which they decided should
in future be their sitting-room, so they named it the green parlor. As
they entered, the glow of the cheerful fire on the hearth, the beautiful
prospect of forest and sea from the windows, and the child's
b