noon
Could a tree have fallen on Reginald ? ' and Jay 's small hand shivered in Linda 's at the thought . They hurried after the dog , over the spotless surface of snow , into the charred forest , where now every trunk and bough of ebony seemed set in silver . Thither Reginald had gone to chop at noon , in a little fit of industry . They were guided to the spot by the sad whinings of faithful Ponto , who could not comprehend why his master was lying on the ground , half against a tree , and what meant that large crimson stain deepening in the pure snow . A desperate axe-cut in his foot -- this was the matter . Linda almost turned sick at the sight ; but Jay , compressing her white lips very firmly , to shut in a scream , kneeled down by her brother .