Far away on the frozen river were saplings stuck up to show where the ice was safe--a long line of poles from shore to shore--and carioles were hurrying across to the village.

Being market-day, the place was alive with the cheerful commerce of the habitant.

The bell of the parish church was ringing.

The sound of it came up distantly and peacefully.

Charley drew a long breath, turned away to a pail of water, filled a dipper half full, and drank it off gaspingly.