in the midst of the wildest kind of forest. The trees grew close
together, and there was no path, no sign that men had ever passed this
way.

Moreover, it was growing darker every minute. Already the shadows
behind the trees were black and terrible. Gigi suddenly remembered
that there were fierce animals in the forests. In those days, all over
Europe bears and wolves and many kinds of wild beasts, large and small,
wandered wherever there were trees and hiding-places; in fact, one
might meet them anywhere except in cities and towns. And sometimes in
winter, when they were very hungry, bold wolves prowled even in the
market-places.

Gigi shuddered. He dared not think of sleep, alone in this dreadful
place. He must try to find the road. Once more he crawled to his feet
and began to stagger through the darkness, groping with his hands to
ward off the branches which scratched his face and the thorns which
tore his garments into rags.

Now there began to be strange sounds in the forest. The birds had
ceased to sing, save for a chirp now and then as Gigi's passing wakened
some tired songster. But there were other noises which Gigi did not
understand, and which set his heart to knocking fearfully; the cracking
of twigs far off and near at hand; little scurries in the underbrush as
he approached; now and then the crash of something bounding through the
bushes in the distance; sometimes a squeak or a chatter which sounded
terrible to the little boy's unaccustomed ears. And finally, far off
in the forest, came a long, low howl that set his teeth to chattering.

Was it a wolf? The thought was more than Gigi could bear. He fainted,