Chapter X

           Themisthadfloatedaway,andthemoorwasdrenchedwithgoldensunshinewhenwewentbacktothecastle.AsweenteredthehallIheardthesoundofadoghowling,andspokeofittooneofthemen-servantswhohadopenedthedoor.

           “ThatsoundslikeGelert.Isheshutupsomewhere?”

           Gelertwasabeautifulsheep-dogwhobelongedtoFeargusandwashisheart’sfriend.Iallowedhimtobekeptinthecourtyard.

           Themanhesitatedbeforeheansweredme,withacuriouslygraveface.

           “ItisGelert,miss.Heishowlingforhismaster.Wewereobligedtoshuthiminthestables.”

           “ButFeargusoughttohavereachedherebythistime,”Iwasbeginning.

           IwasstoppedbecauseIfoundAngusMacayrealmostatmyelbow.Hehadthatmomentcomeoutofthelibrary.Heputhishandonmyarm.

           “Willyecomewithme?”hesaid,andledmebacktotheroomhehadjustleft.Hekepthishandonmyarmwhenweallstoodtogetherinside,HectorandIlookingathiminwonderingquestion.Hewasgoingtotellmesomething—webothsawthat.

           “Itisasadthingyouhavetohear,”hesaid.“Hewasafineman,Feargus,andamostfaithfulservant.Hewenttoseehismotherlastnightandcamebacklateacrossthemoor.Therewasaheavymist,andhemusthavelosthisway.Ashepherdfoundhisbodyinatarnatdaybreak.Theytookhimbacktohisfather’shome.”

           IlookedatHectorMacNairnandagainatAngus.“Butitcouldn’tbeFeargus,”Icried.“Isawhimanhourago.Hepassedusplayingonhispipes.HewasplayinganewtuneIhadneverheardbeforeawonderful,joyousthing.