Midnight
Not a child in the parish of Glendow but knew that familiar sound , and would rush eagerly into the house with the welcome tidings , for did it not mean a piece of candy hidden away in most mysterious pockets , which seemed never to be empty ? How often in the deep of night tired sleepers in some lonely farm-house had been awakened by their merry jingle , and in the morning husband and wife would discuss the matter and wonder what sick person Parson John had been visiting . The bells grew more distinct now and brought Stephen to the door . Soon Midnight appeared swinging around a bend in the trail , with her fine neck proudly arched , ears pointed forward , and her large eyes keen with expectancy . The squirrel scurried away in a rage ; the chickadee hopped to a safe retreat , and even the saucy camp-robber considered it wise to flap lazily to the top of the cabin . `` I 'm glad to see you , Stephen , '' was Parson John 's hearty greeting as he held out his hand . `` Dan and I are on our way to visit the Stickles , and called in to see you in passing .