THE STAR OF HOPE There came the swift drumming of galloping hoofs, the check and pause of a leap, and then close at hand the thud of those same hoofs landing on the near side of the hedge.

The rider slithered to the ground, patted the animal's neck, and turned forthwith towards the hut.

Avery heard nought of his coming.

She was crying like a weak, unnerved woman, draggled and mud-spattered, unspeakably distressed.

It was so seldom that she gave way that perhaps the failure of her self-control was the more absolute when it came.