Alice called again; no answer, but a wild gust of wind and
snow that drove past.
"I can't go on and leave him," said Alice; "he might perish in
the storm." And she began to walk slowly back, calling at
intervals, "Pussy! kitty! pussy!" and listening for an answer
that came not. Ellen was very unwilling to tarry, and nowise
inclined to prolong their journey by going backwards. She
thought the storm grew darker and wilder every moment.
"Perhaps Captain staid up at Mrs. Vawse's," she said, "and
didn't follow us down."
"No," said Alice; "I am sure he did. Hark! wasn't that he?"
"I don't hear anything," said Ellen, after a pause of anxious
listening.
Alice went a few steps further.
"I hear him!" she said; "I hear him! poor kitty!" and she set
off at a quick pace up the hill. Ellen followed, but presently
a burst of wind and snow brought them both to a stand. Alice
faltered a little at this, in doubt whether to go up or down;
but then, to their great joy, Captain's far-off cry was heard,
and both Alice and Ellen strained their voices to cheer and
direct him. In a few minutes he came in sight, trotting
hurriedly along through the snow, and on reaching his mistress
he sat down immediately on the ground, without offering any
caress — a sure sign that he was tired. Alice stooped down and
took him up in her arms.
"Poor kitty!" she said, "you've done your part for to-day, I
think; I'll do the rest.
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