moon is trying to break through the clouds," and, going again to
the window, Hugh looked out into the yard, where the shrub-
bery and trees were just discernible in the grayish light of the
December moon. " That's a big drift by the lower gate," he
continued; "and queer shaped, too. Come see, mother. Isn't
that a shawl, or an apron, or something blowing in the wind "
  Mrs. Worthington arose, and, joining her son, looked in the
direction indicated, where a garment of some kind was certainly
fluttering in the gale.
  " It's something from the wash, I guess," she said. " I thought
all the time Hannah had better not hang out the clothes, as some
of them were sure to be lost."
  This explanation was quite satisfactory to Mrs. Worthington,
but that strange drift by the gate troubled Hugh, and the signal
above it seemed to him like a signal of distress. Why should the
snow drift there more than elsewhere He never knew it do so
before. He had half a mind to turn out the dogs, and see what
that would do.
  " Rover," he called, suddenly, as he advanced to the rear room,
where, among his older pets, was a huge Newfoundland, of
great sagacity. " Rover, Rover, I want you."
  In an instant the whole pack were upon him, jumping and
fawning, and licking the hands which had never dealt them
aught save kindness. It was only Rover, however, who was this
time wanted, and leading him to the door, Hugh pointed toward
the gate, and bade him see what was there. Snuffing slightly at
the storm, which was not over yet, Rover started down the
walk, while Hugh stood waiting in the door. At first Rover's
steps were slow and uncertain, but as he advanced they increased
in rapidity, until, with a sudden bound and cry, such as dogs
are wont to give when they have caught their destined prey,
he sprang upon the mysterious ridge, and commenced digging it
down with his paws.
  " Easy, Rover-be careful," Hugh called from the door, and
instantly the half-savage growl which the wind had brought to
his ear was changed into a piteous cry, as if the faithful crea-
ture were answering back that other help than his was needed
there.
  Rover had found something in that pile of snow.



14



BAD HUGH