strange feeling of relief. Next his gun, which he had leaned against a
tree, while on hands and knees he had forced his way into some brush,
was swallowed up in the darkness.

In vain he peered around him at every flash that lit the forest--he
could see nothing of it. Suddenly a bright gleam, shooting across his
pathway, revealed something that instantly caught his eye--it was a
small bit 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,