Hugh gently examined the limbs and body to see whether there was any hurt.  Her peaceful sleep ought to have satisfied him, but he was not content.  Not a scratch, however, was found, though her clothing had suffered a good deal.

“Take the lantern,” said he in a husky voice to his companion.  Then, softly pushing his brawny arms under the dimpled form, he lifted it as tenderly as its mother could have done.  Tom smoothed the clothing so as to cover the body as fully as possible.  Hugh doffed his coarse cap and covered the mass of silken tresses that streamed over his shoulder.

Dollie muttered as a child will do when disturbed in its slumber, but, fitting her head to the changed position, she slept on as sweetly as ever.

“Now lead the way,” added Hugh, “and be careful where you step.”

Tom was only too glad to do his part.  Nero, as happy as the others, walked in advance, in his dignified manner, now and then wagging his tail and whining with delight.  None knew better than he the noble work he had done.

Tom used great care.  When the bushes could not be avoided, Hugh shoved them aside with one hand, that they might not brush against the face resting so close to his own.  Perhaps he held the velvety cheek nearer his shaggy beard than was needed, but who can chide him when his heart glowed with the sorrowful pleasure that came from the fancy that his own Jennie, whom he had so often pressed to his breast, was resting there again?

A tear dropped on the cheek of the little one.  In that hour new resolves entered the heart of O’Hara.  He had been sullen, discontented, and had long led a life that grieved his conscience.

By and by when they came back to the path they found the walking easier than before.

“Hugh,” said Tom, stopping short and facing about, “ain’t you tired of carryin’ the kid? ’cause if you are, I’m ready to give you a lift.”

“No; I wish I could carry her forever!”

All too soon the glimmer from the cabin window fell upon them, and they paused at the door to make sure the clothing of the child was arranged.  They acted as if they were getting ready to go into the presence of company.

“I don’t know as I’ve done right in not carrying her home,” said Hugh, “but she has been out too long already in the night air; we’ll take her in and keep her while you run down to the village and let the folks know she is safe.”

“Is she still asleep?”

“Yes, hark! some of the boys seem to be inside,” added Hugh, as the sound of voices came to them from within.

The door was pushed open and the two men and dog entered.

Harvey Bradley had risen to his feet, and for one second he stared angrily at the newcomers.  You will recall that hot words had just passed between him and Jack Hansell, and both were in an ugly mood.  Then Harvey quickly recognized the form in the arms of Hugh and rushed forward.