If we are lost like babes in the woods there are plenty of redbreasts to cover us with leaves , '' and Randal joined Emily 's laugh , with a glance at Saul , who had just pulled his coat off . `` You wanted to see this tree go down , so stand from under and I 'll show you how it 's done , '' said the farmer , taking up his axe , not unwilling to gratify his guests and display his manly accomplishments at the same time . It was a fine sight , the stalwart man swinging his axe with magnificent strength and skill , each blow sending a thrill through the stately tree , till its heart was reached and it tottered to its fall . Never pausing for breath Saul shook his yellow mane out of his eyes , and hewed away , while the drops stood on his forehead and his arm ached , as bent on distinguishing himself as if he had been a knight tilting against his rival for his lady 's favor . `` I do n't know which to admire most , the man or his muscle . One does n't often see such vigor , size and comeliness in these degenerate days , '' said Randal , mentally booking the fine figure in the red shirt . `` I think we have discovered a rough diamond . I only wonder if Sophie is going to try and polish it , '' answered Emily , glancing at her friend , who stood a little apart , watching the rise and fall of the axe as intently as if her fate depended on it . Down rushed the tree at last , and , leaving them to examine a crow 's nest in its branches , Saul went off to his men , as if he found the praises of his prowess rather too much for him . Randal fell to sketching , the girls to their garland-making , and for a little while the sunny woodland nook was full of lively chat and pleasant laughter , for the air exhilarated them all like wine . Suddenly a man came running from the wood , pale and anxious , saying , as he hastened by for help , `` Blasted tree fell on him ! Bleed to death before the doctor comes ! '' `` Who ? who ? '' cried the startled trio . But the man ran on , with some breathless reply , in which only a name was audible -- `` Basset . '' `` The deuce it is ! '' and Randal dropped his pencil , while the girls sprang up in dismay . Then , with one impulse , they hastened to the distant group , half visible behind the fallen trees and corded wood . Sophie was there first , and forcing her way through the little crowd of men , saw a red-shirted figure on the ground , crushed and bleeding , and threw herself down beside it with a cry that pierced the hearts of those who heard it .
In the act she saw it was not XXXXX , and covered her bewildered face as if to hide its joy .
Basset Randal Saul comeliness days deuce first garland-making mane redbreasts