Page:A Leaf in the Storm.djvu/68

Rh riding homeward, and in this snow he never will find it; and God knows it will go nigh to ruin us. It is heaven's own judgment for the things we have done to thee."

Nello put the note-case in her hand and signed Patrasche within the house.

"Patrasche found the money to-night," he said quickly. "Tell Baas Cogez so: I think he will not deny the dog shelter and food in his old age. Keep him from pursuing me, and I pray of you to be good to him."

Ere either woman or dog knew what he did, he had stooped and kissed Patrasche: then had closed the door hurriedly on him, and had disappeared in the gloom of the fast-falling night.

The woman and the child stood speechless with joy and fear: Patrasche vainly spent the fury of his anguish against the iron-bound oak of the barred house-door. They did not dare unbar the door and let him forth: they tried all that they knew how to solace him. They brought him sweet cakes and juicy meats; they tempted him with the best they had; they tried to lure him to abide by the warmth of the hearth; but it was of no avail. Patrasche refused to be comforted or to stir from the barred portal.

It was six at night when, from an opposite