Chapter 4. An Unexpected Meeting.
FINALLY, William heard shuffling feet nearing the door, and a voice from within: “Who is there?”
“A poor little boy,” responded William, “who was lost in the forest, and the wolves would have torn to pieces had it not been for the dog.”
“Come in” was the welcome sound from within and at the same time he heard the bolt being moved back and in another moment the door opened with a creaking sound and the bent figure of a woman appeared. “Come in, you and your dog are both welcome.”
As William entered the narrow hallway and Caesar following him, he noticed, through an open door, an old lady with a light blue woolen shawl around her shoulders, and a white cap on her head.
“Step into the room, my boy,” she said in a kind tone; “how you must have been frightened in the forest, but now your troubles are over.”
William did not have to be told twice, but quickly stepped inside, while the old lady again bolted the creaking door. It was a tidy and cozy room; just like the old lady herself, thought William. In an open hearth, such as you may find yet, here and there among the old farm houses, burned a bright light. On the table stood a low oil lamp and near it lay a large open book. It was the Bible, as William found out afterwards. He had not, until now, ever seen a Bible. Near the warm chimney sat a gray cat and blinked with astonishment at the new comers. At the other side of the room stood a large bed, covered with pure white linen; close to this was a roomy closet with glass-doors, behind which stood a number of plates and cups, and shining tin dishes.
William’s eyes wandered from one object to the other. How much better it was here than in the forest! The sudden change from fear and sorrow to rest and safety, overwhelmed the little boy that he fell sobbing on his knees, and thanked God for His wonderful help. Then he turned to his faithful dog and said:
“My good and loving Caesar! Where would I be now if you had not followed me. Twice you have saved my life. Had you not come, I would have drowned or the wolf would have torn me to pieces.”
The old lady, who had meanwhile entered the room again, looked at the scene with a touched heart, and when she heard how kind and thankful he spoke to his dog, the tears came into her eyes.
“Now, my boy tell me, had you no other friend in the forest than your dog?”
“None other!” said William sadly.
“All alone in the forest?” continued the kind old lady in sympathetic manner;” poor child, but you can tell me tomorrow where your home is, and how it happened you got lost in the forest. Oh,” she said, in astonishment and fright, when touching the little fellow’s clothes, “you are all wet, how did that happen?”
“I waded through the creek, which, not far from here, crosses the path.”
“Through that swift brook? How is it possible?”
“I heard the wolf behind me and so there was nothing left for me but to go through it,” responded the boy; “but I would surely have been drowned had not Caesar pulled me toward the shore.”
ML 07/04/1909