the shore, walking slowly. He could see no track of sleigh or dog
or any living thing. A frosted, icy tangle of branches arched the
trail--a gateway of this great, crystal city of the woods. He
entered, listening as he walked. Branches of hazel and dogwood
were like jets of water breaking into clear, halted drops and foamy
spray above him. He went on, looking up at this long sky-window of
the woods. In the deep silence he could hear his heart beating.

"Sport," .said he to the dog, "show me the way;" but the dog only
wagged his tail.

Allen returned to the house.

"Wife," said he, "look at the woods yonder. They are like the city
of holy promise. 'Behold I will lay thy stones with fair colours
and thy foundations with sapphires, and I will make thy windows of
agate.'"

"Did you find the track of the little sleigh?" said she.

"No," he answered, "nor will any man, for all paths are hidden."

"Theron--may we keep the boy?" she inquired.

"I think it is the will of God," said Allen.

The boy grew and throve in mind and body. For a time he prattled
in a language none who saw him were able to comprehend. But he
learned English quickly and soon forgot the jargon of his babyhood.
The shadows of mystery that fell over his coming lengthened far