Without a word to Annie, he was gone. It was close upon ten o'clock when he reappeared.
"Not quite tired out, waiting for me, my child?" he asked cheerfully.
"Where have you been all this time?" asked Annie.
"I had a little business matter to attend to; and since then I have been to see a new family, just come to Littleburgh—the Dunns. The eldest girl had a most narrow escape to-day. She was saved by Mrs. Stuart's son."
"Young Stuart! How nice of him! Father, there have been several people here, asking after you. They all say you were so brave,—saving some poor little children. Was it true? Did you really catch up the dog by its neck and back, without letting it touch you? How could you? O father, it was frightfully dangerous!" And she hid her face on his shoulder.
"I am very strong, Annie. God has not given me my bodily strength for nothing."
"But if the creature had bitten you! Oh, father!"
"If so, my child, it would have come in the way of my duty."
"But such a death!" And she shivered.
"All who are bitten do not die of hydrophobia, dear. And even if that were to be the end, it would still be God's will. Heaven would be none the less fair for one having reached it by a fiery chariot. But come, I think we have talked long enough of this. It is time for Prayers."