Part 19 (2/2)

”Even then they will return to seek us by morning light. Do you know what, Ray?” he continued, ”our adventures have been too foolhardy.

Providence has punished us, but He will not utterly desert us.”

”Hope springs eternal in the human breast.”

The lamp of hope was flickering--had, indeed, burned out--in Ralph's heart, but his friend's words rekindled it. Perhaps Rory's true character never shone more clearly out than it did now, for, while trying to cheer his more than friend, he fully appreciated the desperateness of the situation, and had but little hope left in him, except his extreme trust in the goodness of a higher Power.

”Could we not,” said Ralph, ”all s...o...b..ind as we are, try to grope our way upwards?”

”No, no, no!” cried Rory; ”success in that way is all but impossible; and, remember, we have but the trail of our footprints to guide us even by day.”

Something of the ludicrous invariably mixes itself up with the most tragic affairs of this world. I have seen the truth of this in the chamber of death itself, in storms at sea, and in scenes where men grappled each other in deadly strife. And it is well it should be so, else would the troubles of this world oftentimes swamp reason itself.

The attempts of Rory to keep his companion in cheer, partook of the nature of the ludicrous, as did the attempts of both of them to keep warm.

So hours elapsed, and sometimes sitting, sometimes standing and beating feet and hands for circulation's sake, and doing much talking, but never daring to leave the spot, at last says Rory, ”Hullo, Ray! joy of joys!

I've found a lucifer!”

Almost at the same moment he lit it. They could see each other's faces--see a watch, and notice it was nearly midnight. They had regained sight! Joy and hope were at once restored.

”Troth!” said Rory, resuming his brogue, ”it's myself could be a baby for once and cry. Now what do ye say to try to sleep? We'll lie close together, you know, and it's warm we'll be in a jiffey?”

So down they lay, and, after ten long s.h.i.+vering minutes, heat came back to their frozen bodies. They had not been talking all this time; it is but right to say they were better engaged.

With warmth came _le gaiete_--to Rory, at least.

”Have you wound your watch, Ray?”

”No, Row? and I wouldn't move for the world!”

After a pause, ”Ray,” says Row.

”Yes, Row?” says Ray.

”You always said you liked a big bed-room, Ray, and, troth, you've got one for once!”

”How I envy you your spirits,” answers Ray.

”Don't talk about spirits,” says Row, ”and frighten a poor boy. I've covered up my head, and I wouldn't look up for the world. I'm going to repeat myself to sleep. Good night.”

”Good night,” asks Ray, ”but how do you do it?”

”Psalms, Ray,” Row replies. ”I know them all. I'll be out of here in a moment.

”'He makes me down to lie by pastures green, He leadeth me the quiet waters by.'

”Isn't that pretty, Ray?”

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