fer a sight o’ me.” He stopped and swallowed angrily. They had arrived at the trough of running water, and she breathed easier to find herself so near her haven.

“What have you done with your dog, Frale? You reckon he followed you off? I haven’t seen him since you left.”

He released her then and, stooping to the water-pipe, drank a long draft, and thrust his head beneath it, allowing the water to drench his thick hair. Then he stood a moment, shaking his curling locks like a spaniel.

“Wait here. I’ll fetch a towel.” She hastened within. “Mother, Frale’s come back,” she said quietly, not to awaken Hoyle; then returned and tossed him the towel which he caught and rubbed vigorously over his head and face.