They had almost reached the top of the hill before them when the boy noticed not far away a pair of fiery red spots and at the same time heard the low howl of a wolf. William stood still, but Caesar, who also saw the wolf, put himself in front of his master ready to fight and growled savagely. In a few minutes the wolf gave a powerful leap upon the dog, but Caesar, who was accustomed to fighting with wolves, took his enemy by the throat and both fought desperately. William, who could do nothing, would not leave his faithful dog. He did pray to his heavenly Father, who had already led him in such a remarkable way. Both animals seemed to be of equal strength, till at last Caesar broke out in a victorious barking, and the wolf disappeared in the underbrush.
Caesar then went to William and seemed to say, “Come out of here quickly,” so they both ran on as fast as they could for a while. When they reached the top of the second hill, William again saw the light coming from a cabin like his father’s and ran on till he reached the fence. Not taking time to look for a gate, he climbed over the fence, and Caesar bounced over.
William was so glad to be once more at a house, that he knocked loudly and called out, “Open, please open!”
Finally William heard shuffling feet nearing the door, and a voice from within: “Who is there?”
“A poor boy who was lost in the forest,” replied William. “The wolves would have torn me to pieces had it not been for the dog.”
“Come in,” was the welcome sound from within, and at the same time he heard the bolt being moved back. In another moment the door opened with a creaking sound, and the bent figure of an old woman appeared.
“Come in, you and your dog are both welcome.”
As William entered the narrow hallway with Caesar following him, he was met by an old lady with a light blue woolen shawl around her shoulders, and a white cap on her head.
“Step into the room, my boy,” she said kindly. “How you must have been frightened in the forest, but now your troubles are over.”
William did not have to be told twice, but quickly stepped inside, while the old lady again bolted the creaking door. It was a tidy and cozy room; “just like the old lady herself,” thought William. In an open hearth, such as you may yet find here and there among the old farmhouses, burned a bright light. On the table stood a low oil lamp and near it lay a large open book. It was the Bible, as William found out afterward. He had never seen a Bible until now. Near the warm chimney sat a gray cat and blinked with astonishment at the newcomers. At the other side of the room stood a large bed, covered with pure white linen; close to this was a roomy closet with glass doors, behind which stood a number of plates and cups and shining dishes.
William’s eyes wandered from one object to another. How much better it was here than in the forest! The sudden change from fear and sorrow to rest and safety overwhelmed the little boy, so that he fell sobbing on his knees and thanked God for His wonderful help. Then he turned to his faithful dog and said: “My good and loving Caesar! Where would I be now if you had not followed me? Twice you have saved my life. Had you not come I would have drowned, or the wolf would have torn me to pieces.”