to run down the
hill, was watching his flock on the side of a green and not very steep
peak, scarcely a quarter of a mile, as a bird would fly, from the
cottage, though, to drive his flock up to it, he had perhaps the
greater part of a mile to go. On the top of this peak were a few dark
pines which might be seen for miles. Jacques was seated quietly beneath
the shade of one of these trees; his sheep were feeding about him, his
dog apparently sleeping at his feet, and his eyes being occupied at one
moment in taking a careful glance at his flocks, and again fixed on a
small old book which he held in his hand. Nothing could have been more
quiet than was the mountain in that hour, nearly the hottest of the
day; and how little did Jacques Stolberg imagine what was then going
forward so near to him.

"Wolf had been supposed by his master to be asleep some minutes, when
suddenly the creature uttered a short sleepy bark, and then, raising
his head and pricking his ears, he remained a minute in the attitude of
deep attention and anxious listening.

"'What is it, Wolf?' said Jacques: 'what is it, boy?'

"The dog drew his ears forward, every hair in his rough coat began to
bristle itself; he sprang upon his four feet--he stood a moment.

"'What does he see?' cried Jacques, getting up also, and grasping his
crooked staff; 'eh, Wolf, what is it?'

"The dog heeded not his master's voice. He had heard some sound as he
lay with his ear to the ground; he had made out the quarter from which
it came whilst he stood listening at Jacques' feet. He had judged that
there was no time for delay; and the next moment he was bounding down
the slope, straight as an arrow in its course. There Jacques saw him
bounding and leaping over all impediments, reaching the bottom of a
ravine, or dry watercourse, at the foot of a small hill, and again
running with unabated speed up the opposite bank. Jacques thought he
was going directly towards the cottage, for the young shepherd could
see him all the way; but as if on second thoughts, the faithful
creature left the cottage, when near to it, on the right, and passing
over the brow of the hill, was soon out of sight in the direction of
the village.

"Jacques knew not what to think, but he had little doubt that the dog
was aware of something wrong; so the boy did not waver; his sheep were
quiet, he was forced to trust that they should not stray if he left
them a little while, and he hesitated not to foll