RAB AND HIS FRIENDS.

nity from a distance. It was snow, and
that black, rugged hole would look strange
in the midst of the swelling, spotless cush-
ion of white. James looked after every-
thing ; then rather suddenly fell ill and
took to bed, was insensible when the doc-
tor came, and soon died. A sort of low
fever was prevailing in the village, and his
want of sleep, his exhaustion, and his mis-
ery made him apt to take it. The grave
was not difficult to re-open. A fresh fall
of snow had again made all things white
and smooth; Rab once more looked on,
and slunk home to the'stable.

And what of Rab? I asked for him
next week at the new carrier who had got
the good-will of James’s business, and was
now master of Jess and her cart. “How’s
Rab?” He put me off, and said rather
rudely, “ What’s your business wi’ the
dowg?” I was not to be so put off.

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