This world was still, yet there seemed a low, delicate humming, as of multitudinous looms at a distance so great that the ear but faintly caught it--the sound of the weavers of life and destiny and eternal love, the hands of the toilers of all the ages spinning and spinning on; and he was part of it, not abashed or dismayed because he was but one of the illimitable throng.
The hours wore on, but still he sat there, peace in all his heart, energy tingling softly through every vein, the wings of hope fluttering at his ear.
At length the morning came, and, from the west, with the rising sun, came a traveller swiftly, making for where he was.

The sleepers stirred around him and waked and rose.

The little camp became alive.

As the traveller neared the fresh-made fire, David saw that it was Lacey.

He went eagerly to meet him.
"Thee has news," he said.