NORWOOD;

OR,

VILLAGE LIFE IN NEW ENGLAND.

CHAPTER I.

CONVALESCENCE.

HEYWOOD revived a little. But he was unable to stand, and it was necessary to carry him out of the gorge. It was not difficult to convey him to the opening. But here he was stopped. The only mode of entrance or exit was by a narrow ledge, some six feet above the brook, and this path was so difficult that each one was obliged to sustain himself by holding fast to the limbs of a spruce-tree which, growing out of a rift in the rocks above, reached down its branches and afforded a safe hold. At the very turning point of the rock it was necessary to slip around a jutting corner in order to get securely upon the path on the other side. This feat, to one of moderately

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firm head, was not difficult or perilous. It was often accomplished, and had been, as we have seen, to-day, by ladies, and was a bit of bravery which enhanced the pleasure of an excursion to the glen. But a path which could be easily traced by a single person would be far more difficult when a party should attempt it bearing a helpless man in their arms. Various devices were suggested, but all seemed impracticable, and the counsellors were at a loss what steps to take. It was suggested that they should send down to Cathcart's for ropes, and fastening them to trees above, swing Heywood around the point; or draw him up the face of the rocks to the slope above, and convey him thence down an old charcoal-burners' road.

An exclamation of fear and wonder called all eyes to Pete's doings. He seemed to have taken in all the difficulties at a glance, and to have seen the easiest solution of them, provided one had strength enough, a good eye and sure foot. Without saying a word or asking permission, Pete took up Heywood, as if he were no heavier than Rose used to be when he strode all over the country with her, and laying him diagonally across his breast, so that his own long left arm passed under Heywood's right arm, over his loins, with a firm clasp, such as only great strength

and length of limbs could have effected. But Heywood groaned with pain, and Pete relinquished this hold. After a moment's pause, Pete lifted Heywood again, and laying him back to back, so that his own head would come at Heywood's neck, he held him fast with his right arm upon his shoulder, leaving his left hand free for other purposes. Then, with short steps, he descended into the brook, which made its way out of the gorge through rocks lying in every position, sinking now into deep pools, then sliding over wide and slippery stones with a shallow sheet, and playing every other feat which an untamed mountain stream is wont to do. With a practised eye Pete selected each point for his feet; with a sure foot he planted himself firmly on each selected spot-now wading, now with the help of a branch turning sharp angles, never baffled or for a moment perplexed, until, before those who took the regular path could get round below to the point where the stream issued from its rough rocky bed, Pete had come out triumphantly, and was walking rapidly through the woods to 'Biah Cathcart's waggon, in which Heywood was speedily conveyed to Cathcart's house.

It was with clouded face and more suffering than she had ever experienced that Rose followed with her father in the steps of the injured man.