As he went on, he caught now and then Queen's ringing bugle-note, and as often as he caught it he answered with a loud "Halloo!" It was with the utmost difficulty that he could keep Jacob's head toward the storm.

Yard by yard he pressed his way against the gale, holding his direction by means of the flowing stream.

Nearer and nearer sounded the cry of the hound, till in answer to his shouting he heard a voice call loud and clear.

The valley grew wider, the timber more open, and his progress became more rapid.

Soon, through the drifting mass, he caught sight of two white moving figures.