"And they shall be saved, my son," responded the curé soothingly. "Never fear, they shall be saved. Tell me all about them."
Relieved by this assurance Cæsar, now fully master of himself, made haste to tell the story of the van and how it was lost in the wilderness of snow.
CHAPTER XX.
IN CARE OF THE CURÉ.
The good curé listened with sympathetic interest.
"Help shall be sent to them without delay," he said. "Your clever dog will no doubt be able to guide those who shall go straight to the van, and now if you will drink this warm soup which my servant has just brought in, and then compose yourself to sleep, which you greatly need, you may count on finding your brother and sister here when you wake again."
Cæsar obeyed without question. He had perfect faith in the benevolent priest. The welcome soup sent thrills of comfort through his whole frame, and as soon as he had drunk the last drop his head fell back upon the pillow, and he sank into a profound sleep.
Meanwhile the curé had organized a party of rescue. Late as the hour was he had no difficulty in getting willing responses to his appeals, and in a short time several men leading two strong horses set out to find the van, Vigilant proudly acting as guide.
The sagacious animal took them straight to the spot, and at their coming, Nadine, whose nerves had been enduring so cruel a strain, burst into tears of joy, while Abel capered about shouting: