of blue ribbon, such as Bessie often wore. Bending to pick it
up, he started back in horror! The light had lasted but an instant, yet
it had been long enough to show him that the ribbon was stained with
blood, while near it the stones and leaves shone crimson! Even the
gnarled roots of a fallen tree were dabbled with a fearful stain. He
could see it all distinctly. With upraised arms, he knelt and poured
forth an agonized prayer--

"Great God! where are my children? Oh! have mercy! have mercy!"

Flash after flash lighted up the kneeling form. Presently loud voices
resounded through the forest:

"What, ho!" "Hedden! Hedden!" "Hennessy! Tom!" "Hallo!"

Hedden stood upright. The voices were familiar. He shouted back lustily,
and hurried toward the approaching lanterns. Alas! he came upon faces
almost as pale and inquiring us his own--no news on either side!

His neighbors had eagerly responded to the mother's appeal, but so far
had searched the forest in vain. If Bouncer only could be found; and,
for almost the first time in years, Hedden called, "Bouncer! Bouncer!"
without seeing the great fellow leaping toward him. What wonder,
though--even Bouncer could scarcely have recognized that voice now!

"Hark!" cried one of the neighbors.

They listened. There was certainly a panting sound from some spot not
far away.

"Bouncer! Bouncer!" cried the poor father. The panting again; they
lowered their lanterns. What was that lying upon the ground--lying there
close by Bouncer? It was Bessie! They rushed toward her. She was lying
very still; Bouncer was breathing heavily.

They raised her from the ground.

"Bessie! Bessie! my darling, speak to me!" cried the father.

Her eyes opened slowly; for an instant she did not know who held her.

"Bessie, child, it's father--speak to me!"

She looked at him an instant, then with a pitiful cry buried her face in
his bosom.

Bouncer staggered forward, and now, by the light of the lanterns, they
could see a broad gash upon his shoulder, and another upon his head. He
looked up at Bessie with a mournful whine.

"Oh, Bouncer, dear Bouncer! can't _you_ tell me where they are?" cried
Bessie, turning suddenly, and gazing upon him with streaming eyes.

The brave fellow tried to wag his tail, but his strength was failing
fast.

"He came to me only a little while ago," sobbed Bessie. "Oh! I was so
thankful! but he came so slowly I knew he was hurt. I put out my hand
and felt him all