Section 99. THE LOST CHILD FOUND. II.

About⁠[1] nine in⁠[2] the morning the signal gun was fired, which announced that the child was found (S. 4, N. 4), and for⁠[3] some time the suspense was dreadful. Was the child found a⁠[4] mangled corpse, or was it alive and well? Soon (App. § 14) a joyful shout⁠[5] proclaimed the safety of the child. A procession was formed⁠[6] by those engaged⁠[7] in the search. The child was placed upon a litter, hastily constructed⁠[8] from the boughs of trees (S. 36, N. 7, A), and borne⁠[9] in triumph at⁠[10] the head⁠[11] of the procession.

When they arrived at the brow⁠[12] of the hill, they stopped for a moment, and proclaimed their success with three loud and animated⁠[13] cheers⁠[14]. The mother could no longer restrain her feelings. She rushed into⁠[15] the street, clasped her⁠[16] child to her bosom, and wept aloud. Every⁠[17] eye was suffused with tears, and for a moment all was silent.

But suddenly some one gave a⁠[18] signal for⁠[19] a shout. One long, loud, and happy note of joy⁠[20] rose from⁠[21] the assembled multitude⁠[22], who then dispersed to (S. 19, N. 7) return home and to resume⁠[23] their business.—Jacob Abbott.