“Whither, oh, whither?” cried Pierre eagerly.  “Let me go with you.  I am lost; but if you know the way we can go together, hand in hand.”

The Child shook his head.  “Not so,” he said.  “I do not follow the path, and your feet would stumble.  I shall find a way without sinking in the snow.  I must go alone.  But there is a better way for you.  I leave my dove with you:  she will keep you warm until help comes.  Farewell, friend of the Lord’s friends.”  Stooping the Child kissed Pierre once more, upon the forehead.  Then, before the boy saw how he went, he had vanished from the little nest of snow, without leaving a footprint behind.

Now the dove, clasped close to Pierre’s heart, seemed to warm him like a little fire within; and the Child’s kiss on his forehead made him so happy, but withal so drowsy, that he smiled as he closed his eyes once more repeating, “‘Until help comes.’  ‘There is a better way’ for me.”

II

On the side of the mountain, away from the village street, perched the little hut of Grandfather Viaud.  And here, on Christmas Eve, sat the old man and his wife, looking very sad and lonely.  For there was no sound of childish laughter in the little hut, no patter of small feet, no whispering of Christmas secrets.  The little Viauds had long since grown up and flown away to build nests of their own in far-off countries.  Poor Josef Viaud and old Bettine were quite alone this Christmas Eve, save for the Saint Bernard who was stretched out before the fire, covering half the floor with his huge bulk, like a furry rug.  He was the very Prince of dogs, as his name betokened, and he was very good to Grandfather and Grandmother, who loved him dearly.  But on Christmas Eve even the littlest cottage, crowded with the biggest tenants, seems lonely unless there are children in the corners.

The Viauds sat silently gazing into the fire, with scarcely a word for each other, scarcely a caress for faithful Prince.  Indeed, the great dog himself seemed to know that something was lacking, and every once in a while would lift his head and whine wistfully.

In each of the two small windows burned a row of candles, flickering in the draught that blew down the great chimney and swept through the little chamber.  And these, with the crackling blaze upon the hearth, sent queer shadows quivering up the smoky walls.

Grandfather Viaud looked over his shoulder as a great gust blew the ashes into the room.  “Hey!” he cried.  “I almost fancied the shadow of one looking in at the window.  Ha, ha!  What foolishness!  Eh! but it is a fearsome storm.  Pray the good Lord that there may be no poor creatures wandering on the mountain this night.”