But his head had
begun to roll heavily from side to side, and they could not disguise from
themselves that he looked at them with uncomprehending eyes, and, left to
himself, sank immediately into stupor that simulated slumber.
"Fellows," said old Clenk drearily, "I believe this leetle chap be agoin'
ter make a die of it!"
But he was still alive the following morning when the chill, clouded day
broke, and a happy thought occurred to old Clenk. Throughout his illness
the child had instinctively refused the coarse food proffered him, and
this was brought anew to their notice when they paused to eat their
scanty rations in a deep, secluded dell. A stream ran foaming, crystal
clear, amidst great rocks hemming it in on every side, save where a
jungle of undergrowth made close to the verge. A sudden sound from these
bosky recesses set every nerve of the fugitives a-quiver. Only the tinkle
of a cow-bell, keen and clear in the chill rare air! There was the
exchange of a sheepish grin as the tones were recognized, when suddenly
Clenk arose, a light as of inspiration on his dull old face.
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