Presently the shadows of the forest touched him, and Audrey and Haward were left alone.
The latter laughed.

"If his courage is of the quality of his lace--What, cowering, child, and the tears in your eyes! You were braver when you were not so tall, in those mountain days.

Nay, no need to wet your shoe." He lifted her in his arms, and set her feet upon firm grass.

"How long since I carried you across a stream and up a dark hillside!" he said.

"And yet to-day it seems but yesternight! Now, little maid, the Indian has run away, and the path to the house is clear." * * * * * In his smoke-filled, untidy best room Darden sat at table, his drink beside him, his pipe between his fingers, and open before him a book of jests, propped by a tome of divinity.