Gibbie's hand, therefore, made but few journeys to his mouth, but what it carried him was good food--better than any he had had that day.

When all was gone he crept again into the kennel; the dog followed, and soon they were both fast asleep in each other's arms and legs.
Gibbie woke at sunrise and went out.

His host came after him, and stood wagging his tail and looking wistfully up in his face.

Gibbie understood him, and, as the sole return he could make for his hospitality, undid his collar.

Instantly he rushed off, his back going like a serpent, cleared the gate at a bound, and scouring madly across a field, vanished from his sight; whereupon Gibbie too set out to continue his journey up Daurside.
This day was warmer; the spring had come a step nearer; the dog had been a comforter to him, and the horror had begun to assuage; he began to grow aware of the things about him, and to open his eyes to them.