ed by
Jack, suddenly flashed out clearly; each leaf could have been counted.
Not until this apparition was far away, and nothing of it was visible
save a small green light, did Jack know that it was the express train.

What time was it? How long had he slept? He knew not, but he felt ill
and stiff in every limb. He had dreamed of Madou,--dreamed that they lay
side by side in the cemetery; he saw Madou's face, and shivered at the
thought of the little icy fingers touching his own. To get away from
this idea Jack resumed his weary journey. The damp earth had stiffened
in the cold night wind, and his own footfall sounded in his ears so
unnaturally heavy, that he fancied Madou was at his side or behind him.

The child passes through a slumbering village; a clock strikes two.
Another village, another clock, and three was sounded. Still the boy
plods on, with swimming head and burning feet. He dares not stop.
Occasionally he meets a huge covered wagon, driver and horses sound
asleep. He asks, in a timid, tired voice, "Is it far now to Etiolles?"
No answer comes save a loud snore.

Soon, however, another traveller joins the child--a traveller whose
praises are sung by the cheery crowing of the cocks, and the gurgles of
the frogs in the pond. It is the dawn. And the child shares the anxiety
of expectant nature, and breathlessly awaits the coming of the new-born
day.

Suddenly, directly in front of him, in the direction in which lay the
town where his mother was, the clouds divide--are torn apart suddenly,
as it were; a pale line of light is first seen; this line gradually
broadens, with a waving light like flames. Jack walks toward this light
with a strength imparted by incipient delirium.

Something tells him that his mother is waiting there for him, waiting to
welcome him after this horrible night. The sky was now clear, and looked
like a large blue eye, dewy with tears and full of sweetness. The road
no longer dismayed the child. Besides, it was a smooth highway, without
ditch or pavement, intended, it seemed, for the carriages of the
wealthy. Superb residences, with grounds carefully kept, were on both
sides of this road. Between the white houses and the vineyards were
green lawns that led down to the river, whose surface reflected the
tender blue and rosy tints of the sky above. O sun, hasten thy coming;
warm and comfort the little child, who is so weary and so sad!

"Am I far from Etiolles?" asked Jack of some labor