in consternation; they knew the
danger, for the snow was now falling in such heavy flakes that it was
impossible to see or direct their steps two yards in any direction.

"The boy will be lost for sartin," said Malachi to Martin; "if he has
remained behind till this fall of snow, he never will find his way, but
wander about till he perishes."

"Yes," said Martin, "he has but a poor chance, that is the truth; I
would have given my right arm this had not happened."

"Misfortune never comes single," replied Malachi; "what can we do? Madam
Campbell will be beside herself, for she loves that boy beyond all
measure."

"It's useless our going out," observed Martin; "we should never find
him, and only lose ourselves; but still we had better go back, and say
that we will try. At all events we can go to the edge of the forest, and
halloo every minute or so; if the boy is still on his legs, it will
guide him to us."

"Yes," replied Malachi, "and we may light a pine torch; it might be of
some use. Well, then, let's go in, and tell them that we are going in
search of the boy; as long as madam knows that we are seeking him she
will not lose hope, and hope will keep up her spirits for the time, till
she is better prepared for her loss."

There was much good sense and knowledge of the human heart in the
observation of Malachi, who, although he was aware that all search would
be useless, could not resolve to destroy at once all hope in the mind of
the afflicted and anxious mother.

They went in, and found Mrs. Campbell weeping bitterly, supported by her
husband and Mary. They stated that they were going to search for the
boy, and bring him home if they could, and, taking three or four pine
torches, one of which they lighted, they set off for the edge of the
forest, where they remained for two hours with the light, shouting at
intervals; but the snow fell so fast, and the cold was so intense, for
the wind blew fresh from the northward, that they could remain no
longer. They did not, however, return to the house, but went to their
own lodge to recover themselves, and remained there till daylight. They
then went out again; the snow-storm had ceased, and the morning was
clear and bright; they went back into the forest (on the road by which
they had come home) for three or four miles, but the snow had now fallen
and covered all the tracks which they had made the day before, and was
in many places several feet deep. They proceeded to