In the winter season the good monks lead a very busy life, for then it is that they go forth to seek and rescue travelers who have lost their way in the terrible mountain snow storms.
Every year many lives are saved through their efforts.
I said that many lives are saved through the efforts of the good monks, but they would tell you that but few lives would be saved were it not for the help of their great noble dogs.
These dogs are specially trained to accompany the monks, or are sent out alone to search for people in danger.
You have heard of St. Bernard dogs, haven’t you?
Barry was one of these dogs—a big, intelligent St. Bernard. He was so big and so intelligent that he was often sent out alone on some errand of mercy. Up to the time of this story Barry had saved forty lives.
One day, in a blinding snow storm, two travelers, who had lost their way, were struggling to reach the hospice.
It was frightfully cold, and their strength was almost spent. At length, one of the men took out his brandy flask.
The other, knowing the great risk his companion ran, begged him not to drink, and urged him to put forth one more effort.
But the man would not listen. He continued to drink heavily and soon fell exhausted in the snow.