Again the hoarse cries of the bloodhound, nearer at hand than ever, woke the echoes of the wilderness, mingled with the exulting shouts of the outlaws; for the pursuers knew, from the rapidity and power of the dog’s cries, that they were now almost up with their prey.
“By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation, by thy holy Nativity and Circumcision; by thy Baptism, Fasting and Temptation.”
Again the ferocious bay of the bloodhound rose to the sky, and reverberated through the forests.
“By thine Agony and Bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death and Burial; by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension; and by the coming of the Holy Ghost.”
Still a third time the cry of the excited hound rung across the silence.
“In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment.”
Still rose, as if in answer, that deep, hoarse bay of the bloodhound, which seemed almost to deny the justice of heaven.
But now the victim began to pray for others, and for her enemies even, as the litany of the Church teaches.
“That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men.”
The bay of the hound replied almost beside her.