No it really was the sound of a tiny burn rippling over its stony bed close at hand. He staggered off to it and bathed his face and drank out of his full hands, and then called to Rose to come and do so too.

"A thought strikes me," said he. "You know, Rose, all streams flow into the sea; let us follow down the course of this one; it will bring us, perhaps, very soon to the water; on whichever side of the hill we come out we shall find a good road, and houses, and people to befriend us."

"How clever you are, Ronald!" cried Rose; "then the burn will be like a road for us across the moor?"

Exactly," said he, throwing in a little paper boat he had just twisted together. "Now the moon may go down when she likes ; it is only a question of persevering; we must get to the end in time."

"Then, Ronald," she returned solemnly, "God has answered our prayers; shall we not thank Him before we go on again?"

After a pause they set off afresh, with comparatively little fear now. Their fatigue was great, but their faithful guide, the burn, led them on, ever deepening as it flowed, till at last, after skirting a wood, they came to some enclosed pasture-ground, then caught sight of a light twinkling in a cottage window, quickened their weary steps, and began to shout aloud. This set a watch-dog barking, and as they came near some buildings a head looked out of a window to inquire what they wanted. They had hardly strength left to stand and answer, and when the door opened they almost fell forward into the

good woman's arms. She, kind soul, had been sitting up with a sick neighbour, and was just thinking of turning in herself when she heard the children's cry, and, quickly perceiving the tone of distress, hastened down to admit them.

To bring them in to her little kitchen, beside the still smouldering peat-fire, was the work of a moment; and how tenderly she treated them, soothing them in her arms! She called her daughter to come and help, and while the girl brought food the kettle was boiled for a warm drink; then their feet were bathed and their stiffened limbs were rubbed with whiskey, while, half in Gaelic, half in English, she asked them numberless questions, breaking off every now and then in a moan of pity and compassion.

At last Ronald was laid in one of the kitchen box-beds and Rose in the other, where they fell asleep, the two good creatures sitting up to watch beside them, in order to be ready to send the good news home to their friends with the first dawn of day.

Y

CHAPTER XXI.

LOST AND FOUND.

JEANWHILE, as any one can imagine, the rest

M

of the picnic party passed a dreadful night.

When the char-à-banc reached the corner of the manse-road they waited some time, expecting to see the children come tearing down at full speed. At last, chafing somewhat that, if Ronald should forget, Rose should be so strangely oblivious, she who of all the children was in general the most methodical and attentive to rules, Mr. Leycester gave the order to drive up to the manse. Mrs. Leycester was more anxious to get her husband home before the damp evening air struck at all to his chest, still weak with recent illness, and bid Philip go quickly in and fetch them out, while she busied herself improvising an extra wrap for her husband's throat.

Phil reappeared in an instant.

"Here's a go," he said hastily; "they have never been here!"

Mrs. Cameron and Agnes followed him out; the servant had taken in the inquiry and they both asked the reason for it. Agnes had already removed her walking-dress