Colonel Winchester, "that you shou

this bald statement with a significance which pa

ke you up. But I want you to realize it. Si

edly. His employer turned his

n, Solicitor and Commissioner for Oaths, whose nerves were less subordin

day morning," what that attendance would bring forth. Colonel Winchester had certainly a reputation for eccentricity. His letter was undoubtedly-well, peculiar. Mr. Plowman had smiled upon his finger-nails-a sapient, indulgent smile. He had dealt with eccentricity before. Witness Mis

ll, he had raised and let fall the great knocker, and then stood still in the sunshine looking placidly about him. The desolation of the park left him unmoved. Money, judiciously expended, could rectify that.

door ha

eck, chest, and arms proclaimed the strength of a Hercules; the pose was that of a demi-god at bay. The carelessly brushed fair hair, the broad forehead, the unusual distance between those steel-grey eyes, the fine colou

personality, felt as if he had

ering passages to the servants' quarters. A fair-sized parlour, looking upon a courtyard, carp

he had been told quite dispassionately that he was p

is client had put to him upon matters of law. The strain, however, was severe, and he was unutterably relieved when he was directed to move t

d at the window and, at a nod from Winchester, walked

already seen. Your time being precious, I have but made use

d slowly about and, folding its mighty

eems very near; at others, as if it may never come. Yet I know it will. So

een here inserted. His lips framed it, but it was never expressed. "I have, however, explained that I am engaged upon its restoration, and that you are my second-in-command. I have told him that when I-when my call come

d answer, the other

wer till you kno

ou were me. You'll be the master of the other men. Your word will be law. The future of Gramarye will be in your hands. You can follow the line I've taken, or you can strike off on your own. You'll have absolute power. I'

," said

you s

thing else

A

, and Lyveden got upon his feet. For a moment the two men looked one another in the

gesture loosened

were there. You can rest easy. But-- Oh, how can you think such a thing? I never in all my life saw any one less likely to go under. You're not the type, sir. It's-it's laughable." The wo

a," said the gian

play of his trembling fingers, started violently and struck his head against the

hat!" cried Anthony.

would tell

be told the symptoms, and then comp

ster. "Insanity's not like chicken-

g no man can say of himself: You can't judge your own judgment." Staring into the fire, Winchester began to t

hy

mouring a dangerous whim. For over two months I've spent ten hours a day in your company-I've sat at your feet-I've marv

threw back his head and beat w

the world lies on her side, and only the woods of Gramarye keep me from falling off. I climb from tree to tree, man. They're like the rungs of a ladder, with their tops swaying in the wind over eternity and their roots stuck fast in a gigantic wall-that's the earth ... on her side ... They're sticking straight out like pegs. And sometimes I hear a roar coming, and the trees are bent like reeds, and the wind screams to glory, and the whole world turns

ed, and with a whimper Mr.

conscious lawyer into the open air. As he was helpi

e said quietly, "that I

room t

down some spirit be

"I-I think perhaps it wa

r incline

y and send them to me for signature. If any question arises, lay it before me by letter. If you must see me"-the unfortunate attorney blenched

certainl

u wish to take counsel's opinion, and that is not enough, write and say so." He put out

t palm. Then his client turned, and, clapping a

d of his fo

he table," said Mr. Plowman. "

them," sai

s very go

fastened his collar and was nervo

conveyance?"

way. I had thought I would w

countering Winchester wa

h me," said Lyveden. "

the cottage close

ned to put his arms ro

highway. Going and pace had tried him pretty hard, and he was simply streaming with sweat. He pushed

" His eyes resting upon Anthony, he broke off and fell

ny sm

f hard exercise

an, wide-eyed. "Well, I'm

ank me for." Lyveden

He put out his hand.

think how I came to faint

tstretched han

unusually hot,

r stared

yes...." With a sudden movement

was plodding down t

see him no more. Then he turned on

e distance, and he turned to see a large touring-c

atch!" he c

crossed the road, and there was something about this particular reac

r sail

rowth in response to his call. In another second the terrier would take his cu

full in its path, spread

leaped into the road and, missing his footing,

p to the car,

ng, and I couldn't stop him. I'd called him be

youth at the whe

? You don't remember me, Every. Met you at Saddle

y. "I remember you perfe

e introduce Major Lyveden-my sister." Anthony bowed. "We're goin' dow

ated his cabi

"I've turned forester, and

aid Joan. "If I were a

d-

ttin' up at dawn an' hewin' down trees an'

a man,'" protested

hony began to laugh. So soo

keep you,

glanced at

t her along. I suppose you won't come on and lunch with us,

o," urg

shook

ut I've any amount to do. When you live

d Every. "Still,

in the

e," said

," cried

slid f

op of the hill, it dropped over

*

that Mr. Peter Every fo

asked himself to Bell Hammer ostensibly to enjoy a day's hunting, but in reality

d been in the house for an hour and a half he should himsel

s the w

seated at the piano, was playing Massenet's Elégie, and Every was lolling in a deep chair before the fire, studying a map of the county and thinkin

his voice to override the music, "

er eyebrows and

id, without turni

r Lyv

discordant death, and Val

he

inquiry scorched

upon his feet, he demanded aggrievedly to

l what had happened in the next five minut

nd over his mouth; when she had clearly exhausted his memory, she had announced that they would go up to Town the next day, and that on Sunday morning, sun, rain, or snow, he would motor her down to where Lyveden dwelt; then she had said she

his pockets and a pipe in his mouth, staring moodily upon the

terly. "'Minds me of a drama-play. S'pose I'm cast for the perishin' strong man wot 'ides 'is bleedin' 'eart." He flung out a dramatic arm. "'Reenunciation, 'Erbert, 'ath its reeward.' (Loud and prolonged cheers.) Well, w

e set Miss French down upon the London road at the spot

e said, nodding towards the cottage. "If h

. Then she flung her veil back over her shoulder a

f the wallet of Spring. The wet earth seemed drenched with perfume; the winds ke

door of the cottage

ided to tr

ure was

ck pavement stood a sm

eated upon a soap-box, w

es heard the lady's approach. For a moment she stood spellbound. Then she turned and waved her ar

ment Patch was leaping frantically to lick her face, while Anthony Lyveden, who had risen to h

warder up. Instantly the barriers of Time and Distance had been swept away, and Love, Shame, Fear, and a whole host of Emotions had c

is grim equerries give place. I will answer for their black looks. And the king will laugh at thei

over for yourselves, when issue is joined. One other knight only I beg you will remark-him in the cold grey harness, knee to knee with Mistrust, whose device is a broken bough, sirs, whom there is none to counter upon the opposite side.... That is no one of the Emotions,

m, indeed, rendered her inarticulate, and, before she had found her voice, came Shyness to t

orty hours ago they had been revived and conducted feverishly by day and night. She had a score of entrances, and humble opening lines to suit them all. Before Anthony could speak, she would have disarmed him by kneeling in the dust.

the first

by your face that I'm forgiven. I'm so glad. I hate to be at variance." Mechanically Valerie laid her hand in his. "

to hear," stam

. There had been nothing li

landscape-gardener, and a roadman. This"-he lifted an indicating arm-"this belongs to a Colonel Winchester. It's been

ie no

lines. Surely a better opening would present itself. Now that they could not come first, it seem

n amazing attraction there is in the work." Together they left the cottage and made for the track. "If we go down here for a bit, you'll get an idea of the

t divine. He was, of course, putting up a tremendous fight. The sudden appearance of Valerie had fairly staggered him. Then instinctively he had pull

l more terrifying than death. The prospect of being haled once more unto Pisgah, the hell of viewing once again that exquisite land of promise unfulfilled, loomed big with torment. He simply could not suffer it all a

ope to parry the thrusts those beautiful eyes, that gentle voice, were there to offer him. Once before he had tried, and failed sign

s, her crumbling roads, the piteous havoc of the proud estate stood him in splendid stead. Anthony found himself not only talking, but waxing enthusiast

s saddle with a slow s

id on more lust

ttingly put a spoke i

seen no reason to withdraw his fealty. As we have seen, at her coming he had leaped for joy. Occasion and personage, however, deserved more honour than that. Ever s

f blind, did the little squire happen upon a treasure worthy in his sight to be bestowed. At this juncture, however, a particularly unsavoury smell attracted his straining nostrils.... A moment la

pt it was equally out of the question. But tacitly to reject such a love-token need

distaste and appreciation, and Anthony hesitate

r you-down into the brook. I'm sure it'll be good for you to wash your mouth." She flung the pebble, and the dog went flying. Valerie turned to Lyveden with a glowing face. "D

this. I knew there was some misunde

ou cared for

d you to go through life thinking that I-was like that...." Suddenly he caught at her arm and pointed to the ramshackle bridge. "There's another instance of the rot we're out to stop. Another winter, and that bridge 'd

of yourself,

er arm and put a

n the cottage, you know-very simply. It was a wonderful st

fter you'd g

ttle dreamed what a wonderful billet it was. Liv

give notice?"

nk I was unsettled. Afte

becaus

a long sil

take that line. Besides"-he flung out demonstrative arms-"see what you've brought me, Valerie. When I t

with me," s

retched arms fe

ened. Valerie was

steady grey eyes. Slowly the brown

ad more sense. It was always-out of the question ... utterly. I

for an expression whic

y Valeri

d 've

d desperately, turning b

d, lips parted, Valer

into the distance, Anthony dug his nails into his palms. "I came here to-day to pray your forgiveness. Since I-found I was wrong, I've been more utterly wretched than I thought a woman could be. I didn't know there was such agony in this world. Aunt Harriet'll bear me out, and so will the Alisons. I told them the truth. And

ldn't know that. And I-I've nothing to forgive, dear. I've never thought ill of you-

shaken?" s

ny no

explained, "I

t over it?"

Anthony did the only possible

, "I haven't, and I do

e suck and gurgle of water fretting a cr

mean?" breat

n, "that I shall love

t sighed ve

ng a-tiptoe, "I'm the lucki

through Anthony's, an

in his eyes could do no wrong? As once before, that touch upon his arm sent the blood singing through his veins. His pulses leaped and danced. An old strange joy came welling.... It was as if a fountain within him had begun to play-an old forgotten fountain, long dry-and the sun was turning its delicate spray to a flourish of sprinkled silver. Against his bett

en it, somehow. He was forgiven, of course. Still, it was only right

l, he took ho

iss I gave you that day was the

l hand cove

was my fault. You know it was. And"-she hesitated, and a blush came stealing to paint the wil

e was the whisper of a tremulous sigh in his ears, the warm fragrance of quick-coming breath bea

ce, brushed past the leafless woods, set t

ently and threw up h

n lent him

liquid echo of a cool clear call

the man was

. Gramarye-I'm pledged to her. It's too late, Valerie. Oh, why did you come?" He buried his face in his hands. "You'll never understand," he muttered. "I know you never will. It's

down the track toward

m to the girl, uncertain and puzzled. Th

*

s the only way. With that list on her, she may go any day. And, whe

er got up and strolled in the direction from which the crunch of wheel

ut the estate

ted repair. So Gramarye was to have a new girdle. For the last week Winchester and his little band had been working at nothing else. A spell of fine weather favourin

r this must b

en of them-a freemasonry which the World would not understand. They were observing rites which it was not seemly that the World should watch. Hitherto they had toiled in a harbour at which the World did not touch. Knowing naught else, they had co

ht of the wife who had left him: his fellow recalled the cries of a dying child. Anthony minded Miss French. Only the two old carters were spared the ordeal, their labour keeping them busy under the cover of the woods. Winchester himself felt the unusual exposure most of all. But that the fence was to give them the fee-simple of privacy, he would have ab

chester had not reappeared, so he strolled across to the fir-tree which had been marked for destruction. As usual, his employer was perfectly right. It would

wing a rough diagram upon the sawn face of timber to illustrate some argumen

ke? The Colonel and I ar

The latter, being turned back, displayed a travelling armoury of tools. As he li

den?" he que

when trees were falling-and took an axe out of the carpenter's hand. The sailors had disappe

e tool as could few men who were not experts. Under his guidance, Anthony had proved an apt pupil, and the two, working together, could send a soft-w

rward to lever it out of the wood, there was the whirr of steel falling, and he flun

inexplicable. A child of six would have

red at Winchester l

yer blink

s eyes

urious, are you?"

himself, Ant

tep to one side. There was not much in the moveme

upon the powerful hands playin

eard the engineer's voice calling for the return of his pencil. A

oistened

The going was equally bad. But if he met an obstruction-caught his foot in a root-fell among briers at the outset, he knew he was doomed. T

ard asking the whereabouts of his rule. The answer was inaudible, but the next moment so

pt to Winchester's should

an axe which had bitten into the ground, and hurl himself after Lyvede

d stupidly. Then he let out a

for Oxford. Moreover, the latter knew the woods like the back of his hand. Anthony, who did not, ran

line before him. So quick was the turn, that the giant behind him lost the yard he had gained. Down through a grey beechwood, over a teeming brook, into a sodden drift of leaves, up through a welter of bracken, on to the silence of pine-needles, over the top of the

e valley was another pinewood. If he could only reach that, between the good going and the up

. With a frightful effort he swerved. A tangle of matted thorn bushes opposed him. Frantically he smashed his way through, kicking desperately

ond could have got him upon his feet. Dazed and winded, he staggere

er his shoulder. The next moment he was leaning

the roadway and cursing horribly. He seemed to be endeavouring to haul himself ac

and was easily secured. Then ropes were sent for, and tw

*

ion held this same eve

may be

s just wonderful. And then..." Valerie broke off and shrugged her shoulders helplessly. "His work and the place

d Lady Touchstone, "is

queerest light in his eyes.... And he spoke strangely, as if

dly. "But you're racking my brains

ething, that's affecting his mind. It's not internal; it's some outside influence. If he didn't care, it'd be different. But he does. He said so. But

se man. I don't feel equal to telling you what to do. I don't know what to tell you.

rton," corre

t up. I was going to wear that blue face-cloth that we both hate. I'd got it all wor

"He's given me everything, and-I've

e and stooped to ki

ere four days ago. For one thing, you know where he is. What's more, he's content to let bygones be bygones. My darling, you've m

Valerie threw her arm

y you're so good

and, getting upon her feet

gment was back in its seat as firm as ever. And when she said that something was wrong with Anthony, that he seemed to hear things, that there was "the queerest light in his eyes," Lady Touchstone knew that it was perfectly true. What was worse, she was entirely satisfied that these things meant brain trouble. For three months after his wife had died, Valerie's own father had been under surveillance for precisely similar symptoms. She rememb

sed to a table. Taking a sheet o

WILLO

we are friends. When she tells you her tale, you need make no allowance for hysteria. Believe every word she says. She will not exaggerate. And please rememb

incerely, HARR

d an envelope an

ughby Spe

r Brook

yf

*

told them that nothing whatever would be changed, shown them his Power of Attorney, explained that he was a steward sworn to continue the work till-till his employer should have recovered, they had stared upon th

g every detail with such importance that the layman's wonder melted gradually to a profound contempt-there was much to be learned. That all was in beautif

well within my income. All the same, expenses will have to be cut-to provide for me. The wages must stand, and so must the "Horses and Stalling" (Book 2). Don't part with the roan. There

did not accept. Twice a week he would visit the office and work th

edy even more piteous than terrible. That so rude an axe should have been laid so untimely to the root of so glorious a tree

he patient's tone. His splendid physical condition supported its brother Mind and saw him well of his faintness, but the two red days left their mark. Looking back upon them later, Anthony found them made of the stuff of which dreams are woven-bitter, monstrous dreams, wherein the impossible must be performed lest a worse thing befall and a malignant eye peers beneath stones which even Misery herself would leave unturned.

nd that, during his absence, the others had made such progress with the p

nthony, in some impatience, dispatched Blake for the tool. Twenty minutes later the latter returned, chisel in hand, but with no news of his mate. When it was five o'clock and there was still no sign of Stokes, Anthony struck work and ordered an organized search. It seemed rather ho

he had made remarkable progress with a very creditable grave, which, he explained, was to receive the dead with which the woods were distributed.

suspicious and violent, and there was qu