She dug the earth away with her hands, and pulled and tugged at the handle for some time without success; but at length the sullen soil yielded, and she staggered back against the wheel with a small metal box in her hands.

No time now to examine the prize, be it what it might.

Into the apron bag it went, and on top of it went the puppy, yelping dismally.

Then slowly, carefully, clinging with hands and feet for life and limb, Hilda reascended the wall.

Oh, but it was hard work! Her hands were already very sore, and the heavy bundle hung back from her neck and half choked her.