Perhaps he held the velvety cheek nearer his shaggy beard than was needed, but who can chide him when his heart glowed with the sorrowful pleasure that came from the fancy that his own Jennie, whom he had so often pressed to his breast, was resting there again?
A tear dropped on the cheek of the little one.

In that hour new resolves entered the heart of O'Hara.

He had been sullen, discontented, and had long led a life that grieved his conscience.
By and by when they came back to the path they found the walking easier than before.
"Hugh," said Tom, stopping short and facing about, "ain't you tired of carryin' the kid?
'cause if you are, I'm ready to give you a lift." "No; I wish I could carry her forever!" All too soon the glimmer from the cabin window fell upon them, and they paused at the door to make sure the clothing of the child was arranged.
They acted as if they were getting ready to go into the presence of company.
"I don't know as I've done right in not carrying her home," said Hugh, "but she has been out too long already in the night air; we'll take her in and keep her while you run down to the village and let the folks know she is safe." "Is she still asleep ?" "Yes, hark! some of the boys seem to be inside," added Hugh, as the sound of voices came to them from within.
The door was pushed open and the two men and dog entered.
Harvey Bradley had risen to his feet, and for one second he stared angrily at the newcomers.

You will recall that hot words had just passed between him and Jack Hansell, and both were in an ugly mood.
Then Harvey quickly recognized the form in the arms of Hugh and rushed forward.
"Is she alive ?" "Aye, alive and without a scratch," replied Hugh, deftly taking the hat from the head of the little sleeper and placing her in the outstretched arms.
"How thankful I am," exclaimed Harvey, kissing the cold red cheeks over and over again, and pressing her to his heart; "yes--she is well--she was lost and is found--she was dead and is alive again." "What are you laughing at ?" demanded Hugh, wiping his eyes and glaring savagely at Jack Hansell, who, with open mouth, was looking on in a bewildered way; "haven't you manners enough to know when gentlemen are present ?" Jack seemed to think that the only way to behave was by keeping his mouth closed.

He shut his jaws with a click like that of a steel trap and never said a word.
Harvey Bradley sat down on the stool from which he had arisen, first drawing it closer to the fire, and unfastened the outer clothing of the little one.