They were German tenants of Judge Wilkins and to reach their house I must pass through the dark valley over which now lay a new pall.
There were lights in the house as I passed, and Tom rattled his chain and gave forth one of those shrieks which pierced the air for a mile.

I was glad to know that he was not loose, and that it was only my phantom which crouched in every available place, ready to spring.

The bears bellowed a response to his shriek, but I did not hasten.

The stream, so loud and angry on that night of my first entrance into this vale of tears, was now low, and sang a lullaby of angelic music as I crossed it on stepping stones.

On the hillside it was almost as dark as that night when Father Olever stopped and felt for the bank with his whip.
The Burkhammers asked no questions, and I went to sleep without giving any account of my strange visit, but about midnight I awoke myself and the whole family by my sobs.