When he reached the laurel bushes which fringed the edge of the forest he looked back.

He saw the slender gray clad figure standing motionless in the narrow path.

He waved his hand and then turned and plunged into the forest.

The dog looked back, raised his head and gave a long, mournful howl.

Then, he too disappeared.
A mile west of the settlement Wetzel abandoned the forest and picked his way down the steep bluff to the river.