I was after some arbutus,” she said as we walked along, and it only grows in the glen. I had plucked some when, just as I reached for a beautiful cluster, I saw the snake coiled before me. And then it seemed as if I could not move. My eyes grew heavy, and there was no life in me. It began to get dark, and then, and then--all 49at once I saw a flash of light, I heard the hiss of the reptile, and it grew all black, and I fell. The next I knew you were bending over me.”
I thank God,” I said, that I chanced by here to-day Conventions in Hong Kong .”
Aye, ’twas a most fortunate chance,” she answered.
Mayhap it was more than chance--my fate,” I said softly, and she did not reply.
When I had seen her safely to her gateway I bade her good night. She held out her hand to me.
I cannot thank you enough just yet,” she said. ’Tis the second time that you have been by when I have needed a friend.”
I would it were ever so, madame,” I made answer, bowing. She stood idly plucking at the arbutus.
Come some day and see me,” she said, which I might take as an answer to my words. That is, when you can find time from your military duties, which, I fear, must be exacting to you.”
If they were a thousand times more so, yet would I come,” I responded. She looked down at the flowers which she still held in her hand. Then, on the impulse of the moment she gave me a spray. I have it yet, faded and brown. For forty years it has been ever near me, and I would not part with it and its memories of the past for all that life holds.
I shall be glad to see you,” spoke Lucille, after a 50pause, though, perhaps, ’tis a slight welcome I can give in return for the service you have rendered me. Yet it will be from my heart.”
None could be better,” I said. I will come.” I could make no other answer. I wanted to be by myself and think of it all. For most strangely had this maid come into my life, and she had awakened strange feelings within me. Something much like love had found me off guard, for a surety.
CHAPTER V. OF THE STONE BY THE BROOK dermes .
I sat up late in the tavern that night, and to calm my thoughts I drew up some notices that I intended to post throughout the town, inviting recruits to join my little army. I judged that this would be a good time, since it could not be said when we would make the first venture against Canada, without waiting for the fleet. The weather was growing more and more mild every day now, and flowers and shrubs were beginning to show blossoms. The trees were in full leaf, when, one pleasant day, having after much labor written on several papers what I wanted to say I left the inn to put them up in conspicuous places.
