But--but see, I will forgive; yes, I will follow thee with good wishes, if thee will promise to help David, whom thee has ever disliked, as, in the place held by thee, thee can do now.
Will thee offer this one proof, in spite of all else that disproves, that thee spoke any words of truth to me in the Cloistered House, in the garden by my father's house, by yonder mill, and hard by the Meeting-house yonder-near to my sister's grave by the willow-tree?
Will thee do that for me ?" He was about to reply, when there appeared in the path before them Luke Claridge.

His back was upon them, but he heard their footsteps and swung round.

As though turned to stone, he waited for them.

As they approached, his lips, dry and pale, essayed to speak, but no sound came.
A fire was in his eyes which boded no good.

Amazement, horror, deadly anger, were all there, but, after a moment, the will behind the tumult commanded it, the wild light died away, and he stood calm and still awaiting them.