AS their small stock of firewood would not allow Louis and his grandfather to enjoy the light and warmth of a fire more than a few hours daily, Louis said, "Does it not seem hard, grandfather, that owing to the want of light we are obliged to pass so many of our waking hours not only in darkness but in idleness?”
"The darkness is, I must own, somewhat trying," replied the grandfather; "but if we could employ ourselves usefully we should, I believe, think less of it. Suppose that you and I learn to plait straw in the dark; after a little practice we shall, I have no doubt, be able to do really good work.”
They set to work with a will, and after a little failure got on so well that when they looked at their work by the light, of the lamp they were so well pleased with it that Louis forgot his low spirits, and talked of plaiting straw enough to make a hat for his father.
The storm the grandfather had foreseen was not long in coming. Towards night the wind that had blown in gusts rose to a gale, and snowflakes soon completely hid every trace of the clearing upon which Louis had spent so much time and labor. For two days and nights the storm raged with unabated fury.
The goat, which still gave a good supply of milk, had become a great pet with both. Louis, who had learned how to milk her with some degree of skill, would often stroke her fondly, and say, "If ever we are released from our snow prison, you, my dear Blanchette, will always be our favorite goat, and when you die it shall be of old age.”
On the morning of the third day, as Louis milked her, he noticed that she trembled violently. He could not understand the cause of her distress. A few moments later he heard a low, dismal howling, and throwing his arms round her he started up with a cry of terror. "Oh! grandfather, grandfather, the wolves are upon us! Hark, they are coming nearer! To be eaten by those savage creatures would be a more dreadful death than to die within the walls of our snow prison. What shall we do?”
“We will be still, and trust in the God who long ago closed the mouths of the lions, and would not allow them to touch the prophet Daniel. He is able to protect us. Hunger has driven the wolves from the forests, but from what I know of their habits they will not remain long upon the mountains, but go down to the villages. We now see the mercy of God in allowing the chalet to be completely hidden by the deep snow that has fallen since the storm began, or it is possible that the famished beasts would have found an entrance by the chimney. But speak low, for if they hear our voices they will remain prowling round the chalet. Caress Blanchette, and do all you can to soothe her; her bleating may betray us.”
It seemed as if the goat almost understood the terror of their situation, for though she still trembled violently she did not utter a sound.
Louis held the goat in his arms. His grandfather sat close to him with his hand resting upon the shoulder of his grandson, while his lips moved in silent prayer. It was a comfort to the poor boy to know that he was there, so calm and trustful, and through blinding tears he himself looked up to God, and prayed that they might not fall a prey to the hungry wolves.
All through his life Louis remembered the terror of that hour. Sometimes the wolves came very near, and once or twice he thought he heard them trying to scrape away the snow. At such times he would throw one arm round his grandfather, and ask, in a voice broken with sobs, "Do you think we are still safe?”
“I will not hide from you, My dear boy," replied the old man, “that we are in a painful and trying position, but I do not think that we are in any very great danger. The wolves may have dragged up here the body of some animal, and are now fighting for it. They may weary us with their noise and yet not be allowed to do us any harm. Even if they should scent us the snow is too deep and hard for them to make a path to the door, and they would not know where to find the window.
“It was indeed the mercy of God that the wolves did not come upon us before the storm began. They might have come while you were at work making the clearing by which you hoped we might enjoy a little sunshine and fresh air. The storm has destroyed your work, but in the great mercy of God it has been the means of saving our lives. We must be more careful in future and not venture outside the chalet or try to open the door.”
After a time, which seemed to them much longer than it really was, the howling became much fainter, and at last died away altogether, but it was many hours before they could believe that the wolves had really gone. At last they found courage to light their fire and prepare some food, of which they stood in great need, as it was many hours since they had eaten anything.