Page:Dog of St. Bernard and other stories.djvu/13

 And as they bounded forth once more,

Called, "Blessings be with you!"

They hurried headlong down the hill,

Past many a snow-wreath wild,

Until the older guide stood still

Beside a sleeping child.

He licked the little icy hand

With his rough, kindly tongue;

With his warm breath he gently fanned

The tresses fair and long.

The child looked up, with eyes of blue,

As if the whole he guessed;

His arms around the dog he threw,

And sunk again to rest.

Once more he woke, and wrapped him fast

In the warm covering sent:

The dogs then with their charge, at last,

Up the steep mountain went.