 Chapter 30 of At the Time Appointed. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Jules Harlech, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. At the Time Appointed by A. Maynard-Barber. Chapter 30. The evening train, as it was known, a local from the south, was approaching the little village of Ellisburg, winding its way over miles of rolling country, dotted with farmhouses of snowy white. To the east, rough, rugged hills, surmounted by a wall of forest, while far to the west could be seen the sandy beaches and blue waters of Lake Ontario. The arrival of this train formed one of the chief events in the daily life of the little town, and each summer evening found a group of from 20 to 50 of the village folks awaiting its incoming. To them it afforded a welcome break in the monotony of their lives, a fleeting glimpse of people and things from that vague world outside the horizon bounding their own. Amid the usual handful of passengers left at the station on this particular evening, were two who immediately drew the attention of the crowd. Two men, one something over 50 years of age, tall with erect form and dark hair, well-silvered and with a grave sweet face. The other, not more than 7 and 20, but with hair as white as snow, while his face wore an inscrutable look as though the dark, piercing eyes held within their depth secrets which the sphinx-like lips would not reveal. Closely following them was a splendid collie, trying in various ways to give expression to its delight at being released from the confinement of the baggage car. There was a sudden swift movement in the crowd as a young man stepped quickly forward and grasped the younger of the two by the hand. Daryl, though boy, is this you, he exclaimed? Great Scott, what have you been doing to yourself these two years? Plenty of time for explanation later said Daryl shaking hands heartily. Ned, I want you to know my father. Father, this is my old chum, now Dr. Elliott. The young physician's face betrayed astonishment, but he shook hands with Mr. Britton with no remarks beyond the customary greeting. Now, Ned, continued Daryl, get us out of this mob as quickly as you can. I don't want to be recognized here. Not much danger with that white paid of yours, but come this way, my carriage is waiting. I did not let out that you were coming back for I thought you wouldn't want any demonstration from the crowd here, so I told no one, but Father, he's waiting for you in the carriage. Yours level-headed as ever, Daryl remarked. They reached the carriage, greetings were exchanged with Mr. Elliott, and soon the party was driving rapidly towards the village. We will go at once to my office, as Dr. Elliott remarked to Daryl who was seated beside himself. We can make arrangements there as to the best method of breaking this news to your mother. You have told her nothing then, Daryl inquired. No, life has so many uncertainties and she has already suffered so much. You had a long journey before you. If anything had happened to detain you, it was better not to have her in suspense. You were right, Daryl replied. You know I left all that to your own judgment. Daryl's old boy said the doctor inspecting his companion critically. Do satisfy my curiosity. Is that white hair genuine or a wig dawned for the occasion? What reason could I have for any such masquerading Daryl demanded? When you come to know my experience for the past two years, I wonder that my hair is white. I beg your pardon, old fellow. I meant no offense. We had all given you up for dead. All but your mother and your telegram nearly knocked me off my feet. Here the doctor drew rain and, fastening the horses outside, they entered his office, a small one-story building standing close to the street in one corner of the great dooryard of his father's home. And sheltered alike from sun and storm by giant maples. After a brief consultation it was decided that as Dr. Elliot and his father were frequent callers at the Jewett home the entire party would drive out there and in the probable event of not seeing Mrs. Britain who was an invalid and retired at an early hour. Daryl and his father would spend the night at the old homestead but their presence would not be known by the wife and mother until the following morning. You see, sir, Dr. Elliot remarked to Mr. Brenton, your coming has complicated matters a little. I would not apprehend any danger from the meeting between Mrs. Brenton and her son for she has looked for his return every day. But I cannot say what might be the result of the shock her nervous system would sustain in meeting you. We are safe, however, and going out there this evening for she always retires to her room before this time. Both Mr. Britton and Daryl grew silent as the old Jewett homestead came into view. It was a widespreading house of colonial built snowy white with green shutters and overrun with climbing roses and honeysuckle blinds. It stood back at a little distance from the street and a broad walk under interlacing boughs of oak, elm and maple led from the street to the lofty pillared veranda across its front. The full moon was rising opposite its mellow light throwing every twig and flower into bold relief. Two figures could be seen seated in the veranda and as the carriage stopped Dr. Elliott remarked I was right Mr. Jewett and his elder daughter are sitting outside but Mrs. Britton has retired. As the four men alighted and proceeded up the walk towards the house strangely varied emotions surged through the breasts of Daryl and his father to one this was his childhood which he had any distinct memory to the other it was the home to which long ago he had been welcomed as a friend but from which he had been banished as a lover but all reminiscent thoughts were suddenly put to flight they had advanced only half way up the walk when one of the long old fashion windows upon the veranda was hastily thrown open and a slender figure robed in a white dressing gown came with swift but tremulous steps down the walk to meet them crying in glad accents all my son my son you have come as I knew you would someday Daryl sprang forward and caught his mother in his arms and then unable to speak held her close to his breast his tears falling on her upturned face while she caressed him in words of endearment as in the days when she had held him in her arms Dr. Elliot and his father stood near non-plussed uncertain what to do or what course to take the old gentleman on the veranda left his seat and took a few steps towards the group as though to assist his daughter to the house but Dr. Elliot motioned him to remain where he was Mr. Britain, scarcely able to restrain his feelings yet fearful of agitating his wife had withdrawn slightly to one side but unconsciously was standing so that the moonlight fell full across his face at that instance Mrs. Britain raised her head and seeing the familiar faces of Dr. Elliot and his father looked at the solitary figure as though to see what might be their eyes met his shining with the old-time love with which he had looked on her as she stood a bride on that summer evening crowned with the sunset rays only a thousand fold more tender she gave a startled glance then raised her arms to him with one shrill sweet cry the cry of the lone night bird patience came the response of note deep resonant tender he held her folded within his arms until he suddenly felt the fragile form grow limp in his grasp then lifting her he bore her tenderly up the walk past the bewildered father and sister into the house Dr. Elliot leading the way and laid her on the couch in her own room she was soon restored to consciousness and though able to say little lay feasting her eyes alternately upon the face of husband and son her glance however returning oftener and dwelling longer on the face of the lover who after more than 27 years of absence was a lover still End of Chapter 30 Chapter 31 of at the time appointed this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Jules Harlock of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada at the time appointed by A. Maynard Barber Chapter 31 an eastern home within a few days Darrell and his father were domiciled in the Jewett homestead the physicians pronouncing it unwise to attempt to remove Mrs. Britton to another home to experience Jewett who reigned supreme in her father's house it seemed as though two vandals had invaded her domain so ruthlessly did they open up the rooms for years jealously guarded from sunshine and dust while her cherished household gods were removed by sacrilegious hands from their time honored niches and then consigned to the ignomy of obscure back chambers or the oblivion of the garret under Mr. Britton's supervision soon after his arrival the great double parlors which had not been used since the funeral of Mrs. Jewett some seven years before were thrown wide open Sally the help standing with open mouth and arms a Kimbo a gas at such proceedings while Miss Jewett executed a lively quick step in pursuit of a moth which startled by the unusual light was circling above her head not only were the gaily flowered Brussels carpet and the black hair cloth furniture the same as when he had been a guest in those rooms nearly 30 years before but each piece of furniture occupied the same position as then he smiled as he noted the armchair by one of the front windows to which he had been invariably assigned and in which he had slipped and sled throughout each evening to the detriment of the crochet tidy pinned upon its back the vases and the candlesticks upon the mantel were arranged with the same mathematical precision he could hardly detect only one change which was that to the collection of family photographs framed and hanging above the mantel there had been added a portrait of the late Mrs. Jewett within a week the old furnishings had been created to other parts of the house and modern upholstery had taken their places the soft subdued tints of which blended harmoniously forming a general impression of warmth and light most of these innovations Mrs. Jewett viewed with disfavor particularly the staining of the floors preparatory to laying down two Turkish rugs of exquisite coloring and design I don't see any use in being so skimping with the carpets she remarked to Sally if I'd been in his place I'd have got enough to cover the whole floor while I was about it even if I'd bought something a little cheaper a carpet with bare floor showing all round it puts me in mind of Dick's hatband that went part way round and stopped that's just what it does I wanted to lay down some strips of carpeting along the edges but he wouldn't hear of it Mrs. Jewett continued regretfully I suppose Sally remarked sagely it's all an account of living out west along with them wild engines and cowboys so many years Western folks most always has queer ideas about things I never would have believed it such over-turnings in my house exclaimed Mrs. Jewett with a sigh and if it was anybody but John Britton I wouldn't stand it I wonder if he won't be telling me how to make butter and raise chickens and turkeys next maybe he'll bring round one of them new fangled contravences for hatching chickens without ends Sally ventured with a laugh adding reflectively I wonder why when they was about it they didn't invent a machine to lay eggs as well as hatch them that would have been a saving for the hands keep don't amount too much when she's settin but they're powerful big eaters generally Mrs. Jewett prided herself upon her thrift and economy her wealth kept house where nothing was allowed to go to waste of golden butter which never failed to bring a cent and a half more a pound than any other her fine breeds of poultry which annually carried off the blue ribbons at the county fair she had achieved a local reputation of which she was quite proud she would brook no interference in her management of household affairs and as she said no one but John Britton would ever have been allowed to establish rules and regulations there had been a time when she had shared equally with her sister John Britton's attentions it had been the only bit of romance in her life but a lingering sweetness from it still remained in her heart through all the commonplace years that had followed like the faint perfume from rose leaves faded and shriveled as sacred mementos she had not blamed him for choosing her younger and more attractive sister and she had secretly admired her sister for braving their father's displeasure to marry him and now she was glad that he had returned glad for his own sake that the imputations cast upon him by her father and others were refuted for her sister's sake that her last days should be brightened and glorified but deep within her heart glad for her own sake because it was good to look upon his face and hear his voice again Sally's strident tones broke in upon her retrospection there's one thing Miss Jewett I guess you needn't be a feared they'll meddle with and that's your cooking Mr. Darrell he was telling me about the prices people pay for meals on them eating cars diners he call them and I told him there was no vitals on earth worth any such prices that and I up and asked him whether they was as good as the vitals he gets here and he laughed and said there was nobody could beat his Aunt Espey at cooking Miss Jewett's eyes brightened blessed the boys heart here for thanksgiving I'll see that they get such a dinner as they neither of them ever dreamed of Darrell had won a warm place in her heart in his baby days with his earliest efforts to speak her name Espey had been the result of his first attack on the formidable name of experience and and Espey she had been to him ever since her father Josea Jewett was a hail hearty man of upward of 70 hard and unyielding as the granite ledges cropping out along the hill sides of his farm and with a face and gnarled and weather beaten as the oaks before his door he was scrupulously honest but exacting relentless unforgiving he was not easily reconciled to the new order of things for his daughter's sake he held his peace then too though he never forgave John Britton for having married his daughter yet John Britton as a man whose wealth exceeded even his own was an altogether different person from the ambitious but impecunious lover of 30 years before he had never forgiven Darrell for being John Britton's son but mingled with his long curiosity was a secret pride in the splendid physical and intellectual manhood of this soul representative of his own wine between the sisters there had been few points of resemblance patience Jewett had been of an ardent emotional nature passionately fond of music a great reader and with little taste for the music in which her most practical sister delighted having a more delicate constitution she had little share in the busy routine of farm life but was allowed to follow her own inclinations she was still absorbed in her music and studies when love found her and the woman within her awoke at his call after Darrell's birth her health was seriously impaired in her husband her belief that he would one day return and her love for her son were the only ties holding soul and body together and with her natural religious tendencies the spiritual nature developed at the expense of the physical since Darrell's strange disappearance she had failed rapidly with the return of her husband and son she seemed temporarily to her hold on life appearing stronger than for many months for the first few days much of her time was spent at her piano singing with her husband the old songs of their early love but oftenness a favorite of his which she had sung during the years of his absence and which Darrell had sung on that night at the pines following his discovery of the violin loyal to love and thee her delight in the rooms newly fitted up for her was unbounded and against the background of their subdued warm tints she made a strikingly beautiful picture with her sweet spiritual face crowned with waving silver hair either Darrell or his father or both were constantly with her for they realized how short in which to make amends for the missing years she loved to listen to her husband's tales of the great west or to bits which Darrell read from his journal of that strange chapter of his own life you have not asked after your sweetheart Darrell his mother said one evening soon after his arrival as they sat awaiting his father's return from a short stroll you are my sweetheart now little mother he replied kissing the hand that lay within his own does that mean that you care less for Marion than before you went away she queried no Darrell answered slowly I cannot say that my regard for her has decreased I may have changed in some respects but not in my feelings towards Marion do you think she still cares for me as before I left home I hardly know how to answer you because as you know Marion is so silent and secretive I never could understand the girl to be candid Darrell dear I never could understand why you should care for her and I never thought she cared for you as she ought you know mother how I came to be attracted to her in the first place we were schoolmates and you know she was an exceptionally brilliant girl and different from most of the others we were interested in the same subject and naturally there sprang up quite an intimacy between us then we corresponded while I was at college and her letters were so bright and entertaining that my admiration for her increased I thought her the most brilliant and the best girl every way in all my acquaintance and I think so still but my dear boy his mother exclaimed admiration is not love I don't believe you ever really loved her and she always seemed to me to be all brains and no heart one of those cold silent natures incapable of loving I think you are wrong there mother Marion is silent but I don't believe she is cold or incapable of loving she may or may not be incapable of expressing it but I believe she could love very deeply and sincerely where her love once awakened you know she has taken up the study of medicine Ned Elliott told me she had been studying with Dr. Parker for about a year Dr. Parker tells me she is making remarkable progress I don't doubt it mother she will probably make a success of it she is just the woman to do so there never was any mention of love between you two was there or any engagement Darrell's mother asked with some hesitation after a brief silence none whatever he replied and then added with a smile we considered ourselves in love at the time at least I did but as I look back now it seems a very platonic affair but I thought I loved her and I think she loved me you say Darrell that your regard for her is unchanged yes the same as ever but you do not think now that you love her or loved her then no mother I do not and did not then Darrell my boy someone else has taught you what love really is for answer Darrell bowed his head in the scent over his mother's hand for a few moments she silently stroked his hair as in his boyish days then she said in low tones answer me one question Darrell was she a good pure woman Darrell raised his head his eyes looking straight into the searching dark eyes so like his own little mother he replied tenderly don't think that your teachings all the past years or the lessons of your own sweet life were lost in those two years their influence lived even when memory had failed he bent and kissed her then added she was scarcely more than a child not so brilliant perhaps as Marian but beautiful, good and pure as the driven snow hearing his father's voice outside Darrell rose and picking up his journal opened it at the story of his love and Kate's then placing it upon a table beside his mother he said their mother is the story of my dream love as I call her read it and if you should wish to know anything further regarding it ask my father for he knows all End of Chapter 31 Chapter 32 of at the time appointed this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Jules Harlock of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada at the time appointed Darryl Maynard Barbour Chapter 32 Marian Holmes the following day when Darrell entered his mother's rooms he found her with his journal lying open before her looking up with a smile she said Darrell my dear I would like to meet your Kathy but that can never be in this world but you will meet her again to give her a mother's love and blessings from me then laying her hand on his arm she added I understand now your question regarding Marian as I told you it is difficult to judge anything about her real feelings for the first year after you went away she came often to see me and frequently inquired for tidings of you but this last year she seemed different she has come here less frequently and seldom referred to you and appeared so engrossed in her studies I concluded she had little thought or care for you I may have misjudged her but even worked that so and she did care for you still you would not marry her now loving another as you do would you Darrell smiled as he met his mother's eager questioning gaze if I had won the love of a girl like Marian Holmes he said I would do nothing that would seem like trifling with that love but injustice to all parties concerned herself in particular I would never marry her without first giving her enough knowledge of the facts in the case that she would thoroughly understand the situation his mother seemed satisfied Marian has brains whether she has a heart or not she replied with quiet emphasis and a girl of brains would never marry a man under such circumstances handing him his journal she pointed with a smile to its inscription until the daybreak she quoted that has been my daily watchword all these years strange that you too should have chosen it as your own had Darrell gone to his aunt for a gauge of Marian Holmes his feelings towards himself she could have informed him more correctly than his mother she with an old love hidden so deeply in her heart that no one ever suspected its existence understood the silent reticent girl far better than her emotional demonstrative sister a few days after moving into the rooms newly fitted up for her Mrs. Britton gave what she termed a little house warming to which were invited a few old time friends of her own and Mr. Brittons together with some of Darrell's associates among the latter Marian was of course included but happening at the time to be out of town she did not receive the invitation until two days afterwards meantime Darrell who was anxious to meet the syndicate from whom he had received his western commissions two years before left on the following day for New York City consequently when Marian upon her return called on Mrs. Britton to explain her absence Darrell was away Marian Holmes was as Mrs. Britton had said a silent girl not from any habitual self repression but from an inherent inability to express her deeper feelings hers was one of those dumb speechless souls that finding no means of communicating with others unable to get in touch with those about them go on their silent lonely ways no one dreaming of the depth of feeling or wealth of affection they really possess the eldest child of a widowed mother in modern circumstances her life had been one of constant restriction and self denial her association with Darrell marked a new epic in the derriere years for the first time within her memory there was something each morning to which she could look forward with pleasant anticipation something to look back upon with pleasure when the day was done as their intimacy grew happiness increased and when he returned from college with high honors her joy was unbounded brought up in a home where there was little demonstration of affection she did not look for it here she loved and supposed herself loved in return else how could there be such an affinity between them the depth of her love for Darrell Britton she herself did not know until his strange disappearance then she learned the place he had filled in her heart and life by the void that remained as months passed without tidings of him she lost hope unable to endure the blank monotony of her home life she took up the study of medicine partly to divert her mind and also as a means of future self support more remunerative than teaching the use of Darrell's return hope sprang into new life and it was with a wild sweet joy which would not be stilled pulsating through her heart that she went to call on Mrs. Britton she had a nature super sensitive and as she entered Mrs. Britton's rooms her heart sank and her whole soul recoiled as from a blow with her limited means and her multiplicity of home duties unconfined to the small towns within a short distance of her native village these rooms in such marked contrast to everything to which she had been accustomed were to her a revelation of something beyond her of which she had no conception a revelation also that her comrade of bygone days had grown away from her beyond her beyond even her reach with a strange benumbing pain she noted every detail as she answered Mrs. Britton's inquiries but conscious of the lack of affinity between herself and Darrell's mother it seemed to her that the dark eyes regarding her so searchingly must read with what hopes she had come and how those hopes had died she was glad Darrell was not at home not have met him then and there but so quiet were her words and manner so like her usual demeanor that Mrs. Britton said to herself as Mary and took leave I was right, she cares for Darrell only as a mirror acquaintance on her return she entered the parlor of her own home and stood for some moments gazing silently about her how shabby, how pitifully fair and meagre and colorless an emblem of her own life throwing herself upon the threadbare little sofa where she and Darrell had spent so many happy hours reviewing their studies and talking of hopes and plans for the future she burst into such bitter, passionate weeping as only natures like hers can know Darrell's trip proved successful beyond his anticipation he found the leading members of the syndicate to whom he explained his two years absence and into whose possession he gave the money entrusted to his keeping so delighted were they to see him after having giving them up for dead and so pleased were they with his honesty and integrity that they tendered him his old position with them offering to continue his salary from the date of his western commission this offer he promptly declined declaring that he would undertake no commissions or no business agreements during his mother's present state of health he had taken with him the complete manuscript of his geological work and this through the influence of one or two members of the syndicate he succeeded in placing with a publishing house a specialty of scientific works these facts communicated to his parents soon reached Miss Jewett filling her with pride and delight that knew no bounds Ellisburg had no daily paper but it possessed a few individuals of the gentler sex who as advertising mediums answered almost as well and who Miss Jewett included among her acquaintance she suddenly remembered a number of calls which her household duties had hitherto prevented her returning and decided that this was the most opportune time for paying them ordering her carriage and donning her best black silk gown she proceeded with due ceremony to make her round of calls judiciously dropping a few words here and there which like the seed sown on good ground brought forth fruit 30, 60 and 100 fold as a result Darryl upon his return found himself a literary star of the first magnitude the shyness sure of all eyes these reports reaching Marion only widened the gulf which she felt now intervened between herself and Darryl almost immediately upon his return Darryl called upon her she was at home but sent a younger sister to admit him while she nerved herself for the dreaded interview as he awaited her coming he looked around him with a sort of wonder each object seemed familiar and yet was it possible this was the room that used to seem so bright and pleasant as he and Marion conned their lessons together had it changed he wonder or had he Marion's entrance put a stop to his musings he sprang to meet her she advanced slowly she had changed very little her face unless animated was always serious determined it was a shade more determined almost stern but it had the same strong intellectual look which had always distinguished it and for which he had admired it Darryl on the contrary was greatly changed Marion gazing at the snow white hair the dark eyes with their piercing inscrutable look the firmly set mouth and noting the bearing of conscious strength and power was unable to recognize her quantum schoolmate until he spoke the voice and smile were the same they clasped hands for an instance then Darryl as in the old days dropped easily into one corner of the little sofa supposing she would take her a custom place in the other corner but instead she drew a small rocker opposite and facing him in which she seated herself his manner was cordial and free as after a few inquiries regarding herself he spoke of his absence touching lightly upon his illness and its strange consequences and expressed his joy of finding himself at home once more she was kind and sympathetic but her manner was constrained she could not banish the remembrance of her call upon his mother of the contrast between his home and hers and as he talked something indefinable in his language the same movements and gestures revealed to her sensitive nature a contrast a difference between them he had somehow reached ground to which she could not attain he drew her out to speak of her new studies and congratulated her upon her progress but the call was not a success socially or otherwise when Darryl left the house he believed more firmly than ever he loved him in the past whether she had ceased to love him he could not then determine time would tell during the weeks that followed there were numerous gatherings of a social and informal nature where Darryl and Marion were thrown in each other's society but though he still showed preference for her over the girls of his acquaintance she shrank from his attention avoiding him whenever he could do so without causing remark Thanksgiving day came and Miss Jewett's guests were compelled to admit that she had surpassed herself the dinner was one long to be remembered her prized turkey occupied the place of honor flanked on one side by roast duck superbly browned and on the other by an immense chicken pie while savory vegetables pickles and tempting relishes such as she only could concoct crowded the table in every direction a huge plum pudding headed the second course with an almost endless retinue of pies mince, pumpkin, and apple while golden custards and jellies, red, purple and amber of current grape and peach brought up the rear course of fruits and nuts followed but by that time scarcely anyone was able to do more than make a pretence of eating to this dinner were invited the minister and his wife one or two far removed cousins who usually put in an appearance at this season of the year Marian Holmes and a decrepit old lady a former friend of Mrs. Jewett's who confided with her wife that she had eaten a very light breakfast and no lunch whatever in order that she might be able to do justice to experiences dinner Marian Holmes was not there and Daryl meeting her on the street the next day playfully took her to task why were you not at dinner yesterday he inquired have you no more regard for my feelings than to leave me and Parsons wife and old Mrs. Pettigrew I might have gone had I known such a faith as that I waited you she replied laughing but she added with some spirit thinking it best to come to the point at once I can see no reason for thrusting myself into your family gatherings simply because you and I were good comrades in the past were we not something more very good comrades Marian he asked anxious to ascertain her real feelings towards himself it seems to me we were or at least that we thought we were that maybe she answered her color rising slightly but if we thought so then that is no reason for deceiving ourselves any longer she intended to mislead him and she did very well replied we will not deceive ourselves we will have a good understanding with ourselves and with each other is there any reason why we should not be at least good comrades now I know of none she answered meeting his eyes without wavering then let us act as such and not like too silly children afraid of each other is that a compact he asked smiling and extending his hand it is she replied smiling brightly in return as their hands clasped thus by word and act renouncing her dearest hopes without his dreaming of the sacrifice end of chapter 32 chapter 33 of at the time appointed this is a Libra Vox recording all Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibraVox.org recording done by Jules Harlech of Mississauga, Ontario Canada at the time appointed by A. Maynard Barbore chapter 33 into the fullness of life with the opening of cold weather the seeming betterment in Mrs. Britain's health-proof but temporary as the winter advanced she failed rapidly until unable to sit up she lay on the low couch wheeled from room to room to afford all the rest and change possible day by day her pallor grew more and more like the wax and petals of the lily rose flush in her cheek deepened and her eyes unnaturally large and lustrous had in them the look of those who dwell in the borderland she realized her condition as fully as those about her but there was neither fear nor regret in the eyes which fixed on the glory invisible to them caught and reflected the light of the other world for the last days those watching her saw her face as it had been the face of an angel no demonstration of sorrow marred the peace in which her soul dwelt the last days of its stay for the very room seemed hallowed a place too sacred for the intrusion of any personal grief turning one day to her husband who seldom left her side my sorrow made me selfish I see it now look at the good you have done the many you have helped what have I done what have I to show for all these years just then Darrell passed the window before which she was lying there is your work patience Mr. Britton replied tenderly you have that to show for those years of loneliness and suffering love you have done noble work there work whose results will last for years probably for generations yet to come her face lighted with a rapturous smile I had not thought of that she whispered I will not go empty handed after all perhaps he will say of me as of one of old she has done what she could from that time rapidly sleeping lightly waking occasionally with that childlike smile then lapsing again into unconsciousness one evening as the day was fading she awoke from a long sleep and looked intently into the faces gathered about her her pastor who had known her through all the years of her sorrow was beside her bending over her and looking into the eyes now dimmed by the approaching shadows he said you have not much longer to wait my dear sister with a significant gesture she pointed to the fading light until the day break she murmured with difficulty he was quick to catch her meaning and bowed his head in token that he understood then raising his hand above her head as though in benediction in broken tones he slowly lost the words thy son shall no more go down neither shall thy moon withdraw itself for the lord shall be thine everlasting light and the days of thy morning shall be ended her face brightened a surrepic smile burst forth irradiating every feature with a light which never faded for with the look of loving farewell into the faces of husband and son she sank into a sleep from which she did not wake and when as the day was breaking over the eastern hilltops her soul took flight the smile still lingered deepening into such perfect peace as a seldom seen on mortal faces as derailed a few moments later stood at the window watching the stars paling one by one in the light of the coming dawn with which he had been familiar years before but which he had not recalled until then recurred to him with a peculiar force a soul passed out on its way towards heaven as soon as the word of release was given and the trail of the meteor swept round the lovely form of the homeward bound glimmering shimmering thereon high the stars grew dim as one passed them by and the earth was never again so bright for a soul had slipped from its place that night after Mrs. Britain's death deprived of her companionship and of the numberless little ministrations to her comfort in which they had delighted both Mr. Britain and Daryl found life strangely empty they also missed the strenuous western life to which they had been accustomed this ceaseless demands upon both muscle and brain the life around them seemed narrow and restricted the very monotony of the landscape wearied them they longed for the freedom and the activity of the west the breadth and height of the mountains as both were standing one day beside the resting place of the wife and mother which Mr. Britain had himself chosen for her the latter said there are no longer any ties to hold us here you may have to remain here until affairs are settled but I have no place and want none in Hosea Jewett's home I'm going back to the west and I know that sooner or later you will return also for your heart is among the mountains but before we separate I want one promise from you my son name it said Daryl you know father I would fulfill any and every wish of yours within my power it was my wish in the past when my time should come to die to be buried on the mountain side near the Hermitage but life henceforth for me will be altogether different from what it has been here to for and I want your promise John if you outlive me that when the end comes no matter where I may be you will bring me back to her that when our souls are reunited our bodies may rest together within sound of the river's voice and shielded by the overhanging bows from winter's storm and summer's heat father and son clasped hands above the newly made grave I promise you father Daryl replied but you did not need to ask the pledge John Britton left Ellisburg a few days later a crowd of friends were gathered at the little depot to extend their sympathy and bid him farewell a few were old associates of his own some were his wife's friends and some Daryls to those who had known him in the past he was greatly changed and none of them quite understood his quaint philosophisings his broad views or his seeming isolation from their work-a-day business world in which he had formally taken so active a part they knew not of his years of solitary life of how lives spent in years of contemplation and reflection of retrospection and introspection became gradually lifted out of the ordinary channels of thought and out of touch with the more practical life of the world but they had had abundant evidence of his love and devotion to his wife and of his kindness and liberality towards many of their own number and for these they loved him there was not one however who mourned his departure so deeply as experienced Jewett though she gave little expression to her sorrow she had hoped that after her sister's death his home would still be with them this not from any weak sentimentality or any thought that he would ever be ought than as a brother to her but because his very presence in the home was refreshing helpful comforting and because it was a joy to be near him to hear him talk and to minister to his comfort but he was going from them and she well knew never to return and beneath the brave smiling face of her and aching heart thus John Britain bade the east farewell and turned his face toward the great west mindful only of the grave under the elms to which the river murmured night and day and with no thought of return until he too should come to share that peaceful resting place End of Chapter 33 Chapter 34 A WARNING Spring had come again and Walcott's probationary year with Mr. Underwood had nearly expired for a while he had maintained his old suavity of manner and business had been conducted satisfactorily but as months passed and Kate Underwood was unapproachable as ever and the prospect of reconciliation between them seemed more remote he grew sullen and morose and Mr. Underwood began to detect signs of mismanagement determined to wait until he had an abundance of evidence with which to confront him however he said nothing but continued to watch him with unceasing vigilance Mr. Underwood though able to attend a business had never fully recovered from the illness of the preceding year his physician advised him to retire from business as any excitement or shock would be likely to cause a second attack far more serious than the first but to this Mr. Underwood would not listen clinging tenaciously to the old routine to which he had been accustomed Kate realizing her father's condition guarded him with watchful solicitude from every possible worry and anxiety spending much of her time with him and even familiarizing herself with many details of his business in order to assist him in the months since Darrell's return east Kate had matured in many ways her tall slender form was beginning to round out in symmetrical proportions and always sweet had developed wonderfully in volume and range she had taken up the study of music anew both vocal and instrumental devoting her leisure hours to arduous practice her father having promised her a thorough course of study in Europe for which she was preparing herself with great enthusiasm though no words were exchanged between Mr. Underwood and Walcott the latter became conscious of the others growing disfavor and the conviction gradually forced itself upon him that all hope of gaining his partner's daughter in marriage was futile for Kate Underwood he cared little except as a means of securing a hold upon her father's wealth as he found himself compelled to abandon this scheme and saw the prize he had thus hoped to gain slipping farther and farther from his grasp his rage made him desperate and he determined to gain all or lose all in one mad venture to make ready for this would require weeks perhaps months but he set about his preparations with method and deliberation either the boldness of his plan or his absorption in the expected outcome made him negligent of details however and slowly but surely Mr. Underwood gathered the proofs of his guilt with which he intended to confront him when the opportune moment arrived but even yet he did not dream the extent of his partner's frauds or the villainy of which he was capable he therefore took no one into his confidence and sought no assistance Kate was quick to observe the change in Walcott's manner and to note the malignity lurking in the half closed eyes whenever they encountered her own or her father's gaze and while saying nothing to excite or worry the latter redoubled her vigilance seldom leaving him alone affairs had reached this state when in the early spring days Mr. Britton returned from the east and stopped for a brief visit at the pines in a few days he divined enough of the situation to lead him to suspect that danger of some kind threatened his old friend a hint from Kate confirmed his suspicion and he resolved to prolong his stay and await developments one afternoon soon after his arrival Kate returning from a walk while passing up the driveway met a woman coming from the pines the latter was tall dressed in black and closely veiled a stranger yet something in her appearance seemed familiar suddenly Kate recalled the senora who sent the summons to Walcott on that day set for their marriage more than a year before though she had caught only a brief glimpse of the black robed and veiled figure within the carriage she remembered a peculiarly graceful poise of the head as she had leaned forward for a final word with Walcott and by that she identified the woman now approaching her each regarded the other closely as they met to Kate it seemed as though the woman hesitated for the fraction of a second as though about to speak but she passed on silently on reaching a turn in the driveway Kate looking back saw the woman standing near the large gates watching her but the latter finding herself observed passed through the gates to the street and walked away perplexed and somewhat annoyed Kate proceeded on her way to the house she believed the woman to be in some way associated with Walcott and that her presence there presaged evil of some sort and as she entered the sitting room her aunt looked up with a smile from her seat before the fire you have just had rather a remarkable caller Catherine that woman in black whom I just met Kate asked, betraying no surprise for she felt none she was prepared at that moment for almost any announcement who was she Aunt Marsha and what did she want with me she refused to give her name but said to tell you a friend called she seemed disappointed at not seeing you and as she was leaving she said say to her she has a friend where she least thinks it and if she or anyone she loves is in danger I will come and warn her she was very quiet appearing not withstanding her tragic language you say you met her what do you think of her Kate had been thinking rapidly I have seen her once before Aunty I am positive she is in some way connected with Mr. Walcott and equally positive that he has some evil designs against Papa but why she should warn me against him if that is her intention I cannot imagine is there no way of warning your father Catherine Mrs. Dean inquired anxiously Mr. Britton and I have talked it over Aunty we think Papa suspects him and is watching him but so long as he doesn't take either of us into his confidence we don't want to excite or worry him by suggesting any danger this woman may or may not be friendly as she claims but in any event if she comes again I must see her whatever danger there may be I want to know it then I am not afraid but that I can defend Papa or myself in case of trouble for several days Kate scanned her horizon closely for portents of the coming storm she saw nothing of the mysterious woman who had styled herself a friend but on more than one occasion she had a fleeting glimpse of the man who on that memorable day brought the message from her to Walcott and Kate felt that a Daniel Mont of some kind was near Walcott's preparations were nearly perfected another week would complete them by that time the funds of the firm as well as large deposits held in trust would be where he could lay his fingers on them at a moment's notice at a given signal two trusted agents would be at the side entrance with fleet horses on which they would travel to a neighboring village and there where their appearance would excite no suspicion they were to board the late express which would carry them to a point whence they could easily reach a place of safety but his well laid plans were suddenly checked by a request one afternoon from his senior partner to meet him at the private office that evening at eight o'clock the tone in which this request was preferred aroused Walcott's suspicions that an investigation might be pending and enraged at being thus checkmated he determined to strike it once at dinner Mr. Underwood mentioned an engagement which would he said detain him for an hour or so that evening but having never since his illness gone to the offices in the evening no one supposed it more than an ordinary business appointment with some friend he had left the house only a few moments when a caller was announced for Mr. Underwood Kate's heart gave a sudden bound as on entering the reception hall she saw again the woman whose coming was to be a warning of danger she was as usual dressed in black and heavily veiled Kate was conscious of no fear rather a joy that the suspense was over that there was at last something definite and tangible to face Señorita may I see you in private the voice was sweet but somewhat muffled by the veil while the words had just enough of the Spanish accent to render them liquid and musical Kate bowed in ascent and silently led the way to a small reception room of her own she motioned her caller to a seat but the latter remained standing and turned swiftly facing Kate still veiled Señorita you do not know me? the words had the rising inflection of a question no Kate replied slowly I do not know you but I know that this is not your first call at the pines I called some ten days since to see you you called Kate spoke deliberately since to see Mr. Walcott the woman started and drew back slightly how could you know she exclaimed surely he did not tell you I saw you there was a moment's silence when next she spoke her voice was lower and more musical Señorita I come as your friend do you believe me? I want to believe you Kate answered frankly you are not when I know more of you and of your errands here for answer the woman with a sudden swift movement through back her veil revealing a face of unusual beauty oval and contour of a rich olive tint with waving masses of jet black hair framing a low broad forehead but her eyes were what drew Kate's attention large lustrous but dark and unfathomable as night yet with a look in them of dumb agonizing appeal the two women formed a striking contrast as they stood face to face they seemed to impersonate hope and despair Señorita she said in a low passionless voice I am Señor Walcott's wife Kate's very soul seemed to recoil at the words but she did not start or shrink the certificate of our marriage here she continued producing a paper signed by the Holy Father who united us Kate waved it back I do not wish to see it nor do I doubt your word she replied gently I understand now why you first came to this house what brings you here tonight I come to warn you that your father is in danger my father Kate exclaimed quickly her whole manner changed where? how? Señor Walcott has an engagement with him at eight o'clock at their offices and he means to do him harm I know not just what but he is angry with him I know not why and he is a dangerous man when he is angry Kate touched a bell to summon a servant I will go to him at once but she added looking keenly into the woman's face how do you know of this did he tell you? the other shook her head with a significant gesture he tells me nothing he tells no one but Tony and Tony tells me nothing but I saw them talking together tonight and he was very angry I overheard some words I heard him say he would see your father tonight and make him sorry he had not done as he agreed and he showed Tony a little stiletto which he carries with him he laughed Kate shuddered slightly who is Tony? she asked the woman smiled with another gesture Tony is Tony that is all I know he and my husband know each other a servant appeared Kate ordered her own carriage brought to the door at once then turning on a sudden impulse to the stranger she said will you come with me or are you afraid of him afraid to have him know you warned me the woman laughed bitterly I feared him once she said but I feared him no longer he fears me now yes, I will go with you then wait here I will be ready in a moment at twenty minutes of eight Kate and the stranger passed down the hall together the woman veiled Kate attired in a trim walking suit the latter stopped to look in at the sitting room door and said he would be out but a few minutes when he comes in please tell him I want to see him at papa's office my carriage will be waiting for him here her aunt looked her surprise but she knew Kate to be enough like her father that it was useless to ask an explanation where she herself made none once seated in the carriage and driving rapidly down the street Kate laid her hand on the arm of her strange companion senora she said hey you are my friend were you my friend the first time you came to the house if not then why are you now no, I was not your friend for the first time there was a ring of passion in her voice I hated you for I thought he loved you that you had stolen his heart and made him forget me I traveled many miles I vowed to kill you both before you should marry him then I found I could not marry you while I was his wife he had told me our marriage was void here because performed in another country I found he had told me wrong and I told him unless he came with me I would go to the church and tell them there I was his wife and he went away with you Kate questioned yes and he gave me money and then he told me the woman hesitated he told me that he did not love you that he only wanted to marry you that he might get money from your father and then he would leave you so when I found he wanted to make you suffer as he had me I began to pity you I came back to offer to see what you were like he does not know that I am here I found he was angry because you would not marry him then I was glad I saw you many times that you did not know your face was kind and good as though you would pity me if you knew all and I loved you I heard something about a lover you had a few years ago who died and I knew your heart must have been sad for him and I vowed he should never harm you or anyone you loved they had reached the offices the carriage stopped but not before Kate's hand had sought and found the strangers in silent token that she understood End of Chapter 34 Chapter 35 of At the Time Appointed This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information Order Volunteer please visit LibriVox.org At the time appointed by A. Maynard Barber Chapter 35 Afiend at Bay Kate, on leaving her carriage directed the driver to go back to the pines to await Mr. Britain's return and bring him immediately to the office She then unlocked the door to the room which had been Daryl's office and which opened directly upon the street and she and her companion entered and seated themselves in the darkness The room next to joining was Walcott's private office and beyond that was Mr. Underwood's private office the two ladder rooms being separated by a small entrance They had waited but a few moments when Mr. Underwood's carriage stopped before this entrance and an instant later Kate heard her father's voice directing the coachman to call for him in about an hour As the key turned in the lock she heard Walcott's voice also The two men entered and went at once into Mr. Underwood's private office Mr. Underwood immediately proceeded to business in his usual abrupt fashion Mr. Walcott, there is no use dallying or beating about the bush I want this partnership terminated at once There is no use in an honest man and a thief trying to do business together and this interview tonight is to find the shortest way of dissolving the partnership I think that can be very easily and quickly done Mr. Underwood Walcott replied Kate, who had stationed herself in the entrance where she had a view of both men saw the cruel leer that accompanied Walcott's words and understood their significance as her father did not Her hand sought the bosom of her dress for an instant then dropped quietly at her side but swift as the movement was her companion had seen in the dim light the gleam of the weapon now partially concealed by the folds of her skirt With noiseless cat-like step she approached Kate and touched her arm You will not shoot You will not kill him She breathed rather than whispered Kate's only reply was to lay her finger on her lips never removing her eyes from Walcott's face but even then in her absorption she noted a peculiar quality in those scarcely audible tones something that was neither fear nor love there seemed somehow an element of savagery in them Meanwhile Mr. Underwood was going rapidly through the evidence which he had accumulated showing mismanagement and fraud in the conduct of the business of the firm and misappropriation of some of the funds held in trust of the wholesale robbery the plans for which Walcott had so nearly perfected he knew absolutely nothing as Walcott listened the sneer on his face deepened You seem to have gone a vast amount of labour for nothing he remarked as Mr. Underwood concluded I could have given you that much information offhand You have not lived up to your part of the contract and I see no reason why I should be expected to fulfil mine You promised me your daughter in marriage and then simply because she saw fit We will leave my daughter's name out of this controversy, sir Mr. Underwood interposed sternly Were it not for the fact that your name has been publicly associated with hers I would prosecute you for the scoundrel and black leg that you are But for the sake of your daughter's name you intend to deal leniently with me, Walcott sneered Supposing we come at once to the point of dissolving our partnership It cannot be done any too quickly for me May I inquire on what terms you propose to settle Mr. Underwood went briefly over the terms which he had outlined on a sheet of paper before him on his desk Walcott, seated eight or ten feet distant listened his dark face pailing with anger Pardon me he said at the conclusion I think I missed a few details Suppose we go over that again together He rose in advance towards Mr. Underwood's chair as though to look over his shoulder at the same time thrusting his right hand within the inner pocket of his coat Before he had covered half the space however a voice rang through the room with startling clearness Not a step farther or you are a dead man Both men turned to see Kate Underwood standing in the doorway holding a revolver leveled at Walcott with an aim which the ladders practiced I told him to be both sure and deadly Astonishment and rage passed in quick succession over his countenance He looked for an instant as though contemplating some desperate move Stir one hair's breadth and you are a dead man she repeated He remained motionless and the hand just withdrawn from his coat disclosed to view a tiny glittering stiletto Kate's only anxious thought was for her father who too bewildered to move or speak was for the time as motionless as Walcott himself she feared lest the suddenness of the shock might prove too much for him to her relief she heard Mr. Britain entering he took in the situation at a glance and sprang it once to her side I'm all right she cried brightly look after Papa first then we will attend to this creature With the revolver still leveled at Walcott Kate slowly advanced towards him Give me that weapon she demanded He gave a sinister smile but before she had taken another step her companion sprang into the room with a piercing cry and intercepted her No, no, senorita she exclaimed Do not touch it mother of God it is poisoned a single scratch means death outside of her Walcott's face grew livid You fiend you she devil he hissed this is your doing is it and he burst into a torrent of curses and imprecations Be silent Mr. Britain ordered sternly Kate accompanied the command with an ominous click of her revolver the wretch cowered into silence but his eyes glowed with fairly demoniac fury Now said Mr. Underwood his faculties fully restored I want to know the meaning of this let us sift this whole thing to the bottom Search your man first David said Mr. Britain and suiting the action to the word he approached Walcott but was warded off by the woman standing near No, no, no, senorita a little turn of the wrist so slight you would not see would cause death I will take it from him the viper there did not stink me As she extended her hand she tauntingly held her wrist close to the tiny point scarcely larger than a good sized pin Life and freedom are precious senorita She said in low mocking tones as she took the weapon from him and handed it to Mr. Britain who laid it carefully on a table nearby, and then proceeded to search Walcott's clothing, saying, I want you to see what you've been dealing with, David. To the stiletto already placed upon the table were added another of a larger size, two loaded revolvers, several packages of valuable securities taken from the vaults of the firm that afternoon, and a nearly complete set of duplicate keys to the safes and deposit boxes of the offices. Mr. Britton then relieved Kate, congratulating her warmly, and stationed himself near Walcott, who glowered like a wild beast that, temporarily restrained by the keeper's lash, only awaits opportunity for a more furious onslaught later. Kate stepped at once to her father's side. He turned upon her a look of affectionate pride, but before he could speak she had drawn forward her companion, saying, Here is one papa to whom we owe much. She has saved your life to-night, for I would not have known you were in danger if she had not warned me, and she saved me from worse than death in preventing the carrying out of the farce of an illegal marriage with that villain by giving me a glimpse of his real character before it was too late. The change that passed over Mr. Underwood's countenance during Kate's words was fearful to see. From the kindliness and courtesy with which he had greeted the stranger, his face seemed changed to granite so hard and relentless it became. An illegal marriage? What do you mean, he demanded, and there was something in his voice that no one present had ever heard there before. Illegal papa, because this woman is his lawful wife, and Kate gave a brief explanation of the situation. Was that so, he appealed to the woman, his tones strangely quiet. Yes, señor, I have the papers to prove it. Do you admit it? He demanded of Walcott, with a glance which made the latter quail, while his hand sought one of the loaded revolvers lying on the table. We were married years ago, but I did not know the woman was living. I swear I did not. I supposed she was dead until the day she came to me. How about the past year? You have known all this time that she was living. Yet you have dared to press your suit from my daughter, you dog. Not another word, he exclaimed, as Walcott strove to form some excuse. He raised his hand, and the revolver gleamed in the light. Mr. Britton grasped him by the arm. David, old friend, calm yourself, he exclaimed. Don't be rash or foolish. Let the law take its course. The law, interposed Mr. Underwood fiercely. Do you think I'd take a case of this kind to the courts? Charges such as these against a man whose name has been publicly associated with my daughter's as her betrothed husband, and the principal witness against that man his own wife. Do you suppose for a moment I'll have my daughter's name dragged through such mire? No, by God, I'll blow the dog's brain out with my own hand first. A fierce struggle ensued for a moment between the two men, which ended in John Britton's disarming his friend, Kate meanwhile keeping Walcott at bay as he sought in the momentary confusion to effect an escape. Once calmed, Mr. Underwood, notwithstanding Mr. Britton's protestations, sullenly refused to prosecute Walcott. Telephoning for an attorney who was an old-time entrusted friend, he had an agreement drawn and signed, whereby, upon the repayment of the funds belonging to him, after deducting an amount therefrom sufficient to replace what he had misappropriated, he was to leave the country altogether. You have escaped this time, were Mr. Underwood's parting words, but remember, if you ever again seek to injure me or mine, no power on earth can save you, and I'll not go into the courts either. As Kate and her strange companion parted, the former inquired, why did you ask me not to shoot him? You surely cannot love him. Love him, she exclaimed softly. No, but I feared you would kill him. His time has not come yet, senorita, but when it does, this must be the hand. She lifted her own right hand with a significant movement as she said this, and glided out into the darkness, and was gone ere Kate could recall her. When Kate and her father, with Mr. Britton's assistance, before returning home for the night, removed the articles taken from Walcott's pockets, the tiny, poisoned stiletto was nowhere to be found. CHAPTER XXXVI OF AT THE TIME APPOINTED. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. AT THE TIME APPOINTED by A. Maynard-Barber, CHAPTER XXXVI. Senora Martinez. Although Mr. Underwood escaped the stroke which it was feared might follow the excitement of his final interview with Walcott, it was soon apparent that his nervous system had suffered from the shock. His physician became insistent in his demands that he not only retire from business but have an entire change of scene to ensure absolute relaxation and rest. This advice was earnestly seconded by Mr. Britton, not alone for the sake of his friend's health, but more especially because he believed it unsafe for Mr. Underwood or Kate to remain in that part of the country so long as Walcott had his liberty. Their combined counsel and entreaties at length prevailed. A responsible man was found to take charge under Mr. Britton's supervision of Mr. Underwood's business interests. The pines was closed, two or three faithful servants being retained to guard and care for the property, and early in April Mr. Underwood, accompanied by his sister and daughter, left Ofer ostensibly for the south. They remained south, however, only till he had recuperated sufficiently for a longer journey, then sailed for Europe, but of this fact no one in Ofer had knowledge saved Mr. Britton. During the last days of Kate's stay in Ofer, she waited in vain for another glimpse of her strange friend. On the morning of her departure, as the train was leaving the depot, she suddenly saw the olive-skinned messenger of former occasions running alongside the Pullman in which she was seated. Catching her eye, he motioned for her to raise the window. She did so, whereupon he tossed a little package into her lap, pointing at the same time farther down on the platform, and, lifting his ragged sombrero, vanished. An instant later the senora came into view, standing at the extreme end of the platform, a lace mantilla thrown about her head and shoulders, the ends of which she now waved in a token of farewell. Kate held up the little package with a smile. She responded, with a deprecatory gesture indicative of its insignificance, then with another wave of the lace scarf and a flutter of Kate's handkerchief, they passed out of each other's sight. Kate hastily undid the package. A little box of ebony, inlaid with pearl, slipped from the wrappings which, upon touching a secret spring, opened, disclosing a small cross of Etruscan gold of the most exquisite workmanship. In her first letter to Mr. Britton, Kate related the incident and begged him to look out for the woman and render her any assistance possible. To this Mr. Britton needed no urging. Since his first sight of her that night in Mr. Underwood's office, he had been looking for her, for a twofold purpose. For a number of weeks he failed to get even a glimpse of her, nor could he obtain any cluder or whereabouts. One night, well into the summer, he came upon her, unexpectedly, standing in front of a cheap restaurant, looking at the edibles displayed in the window. She was not veiled, her face was pale and haggard, and there was no mistaking the expression in her eyes as she finally turned away. "'My friend,' said Mr. Britton, laying his hand gently on her shoulder, "'are you hungry?' She shrank from him with a start till a glance in his face reassured her, and she answered with an expressive gesture. "'Yes, Senor, I have had nothing to eat to-day, and but little yester-day.' "'This is no fit place. Come with me,' Mr. Britton replied, leading the way two or three blocks down the street to a first-class restaurant. He conducted her through the lady's entrance into a private box, where he ordered a substantial dinner for two. "'Senor,' she protested, as the waiter left the box, "'I have no money. No way to repay you for this. You understand?' "'I understand,' he answered quickly. "'I want no return for this. Miss Underwood wished me to find you and help you if I could. "'Yes, I know. You are the senorita's friend. And your friend also if I can help you. You saved his life that night, Senor. I do not forget,' the woman said, with peculiar emphasis. "'Yes, I undoubtedly saved the scoundrel from a summary vengeance. Possibly I might not have done it had I known what the alternative would be.' "'Where is that man now?' he asked, with sudden directness. "'I do not know, Senor. He tells me nothing. But I have heard he went south some time ago.' The entrance of the waiter with her orders put a temporary stop to the conversation. The woman ate silently, regarding Mr. Britton from time to time, with an expression of childlike wonder. When her hunger was appeased, and she seemed inclined to talk, he said, "'Tell me something of yourself. When and where did you marry that man?' We were married in Mexico, seven years ago. Your home was in Mexico?' "'No, Senor. My father owned a big cattle ranch in Texas. Senor Walcott, as you call him here, worked for him. He wanted to marry me, but my father opposed the marriage. We lived close to the line, so we went across one day and we were married. My father was very angry, but I was his only child, and by and by he forgave and took us back. Do I understand you that Walcott is not this man's real name, Mr. Britton interposed? His name is Jose Martinez, Senor. But is he not a half-breed? I've understood his father was an Englishman. His father was an Englishman, but no one ever knew who he was. You understand, Senor? Afterwards his mother married Pablo Martinez, and her child took his name. That was why my father opposed our marriage. "'I understand,' said Mr. Britton, but he claims heavy cattle interests in the South. How did he come by them?' "'My father's, all of them,' she replied. He and my father quarreled soon after we went there to live. Then we came away north. We lived for a while in this state.' She paused and hesitated as though fearing she had said too much, but Mr. Britton's face betrayed nothing, and she continued. Then in a year or so we went south, and he and my father quarreled again. My father was found dead on the plains, trampled by the cattle, but no one knew how it came about. Then Jose took everything and told me I had nothing. He went north again three years ago. A year later he came back and told me I was not his wife, that our marriage was void because it was not performed in this country. I became very ill. He took me away amongst strangers and left me there to die as he thought. But he was mistaken. I had something to live for, to follow him as I have followed him and will follow him to the end. The woman rose from the table. Mr. Britton rose also and stood for a moment facing her. He is a dangerous man, he said. How is it that you do not fear him? She laughed softly. He fears me, senor. Why should I fear him? I understand, Mr. Britton said, he fears you because you know him to be a criminal, because his freedom, perhaps his very life, is in your hands. Why are you not in danger on that account? What is to hinder his taking a life so inimical to his own? A cunning, treacherous smile crept over her face and a baleful light gleamed in her eyes as she replied, If I die at his hand, my secret does not die with me. I have fixed that. If I die today, the world knows my secret tomorrow. He knows it, senor, and I am safe. Did it never occur to you, said Mr. Britton slowly, that for the safety of others, your secret should be made known now? The woman's whole appearance changed. She regarded Mr. Britton with a look of mingled anger and terror as he continued. That man's life and freedom are a constant menace to other lives. Are you willing to take the responsibility of the results which may follow your withholding that secret, keeping it locked within your own breast? The woman looked quickly for a chance of escape, but Mr. Britton barred the only means of exit. Her expression was that of a creature brought to bay. I understand the meaning of your kindness tonight, she cried fiercely. You are one of the flymen, and you thought to buy my secret from me. Let me tell you, you will never buy it, nor can you force it from me. So long as he does me no harm, I will never make it known, and if I die a natural death, it dies with me. You are mistaken, he replied calmly. I am no detective, no official of any sort. My bringing you here tonight was of itself wholly disinterested, done for the sake of a friend who wished me to help you. I have wished to meet and talk with you, as I was interested to learn your story, out of sympathy for you, and a desire to help you, and also to shed new light on your husband's character, of which I have made quite a study. But I am not seeking to force you into making any disclosures against your will. Her anger had subsided as quickly as it had been aroused. Pardon me, Señor, she said. I was wrong. Except my gratitude for your kindness, I will not forget. Don't mention it. If you need help at any time, let me know. I do not forget that you saved my friend's life. But one word in parting. Don't think your secret will not become known. Those things always work themselves out, and Justice will overtake that man yet. When it does, your own life may not be as safe as you now think it is. If you need a friend then, come to me. The woman regarded him silently for a moment. Thank you, Señor, she said gently. I understand. Justice will yet overtake him, as you say. And when it does, she added significantly. I will need no help. End of Chapter 36. Chapter 37 of At the Time Appointed. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Patty Cunningham. At the Time Appointed by A. Maynard-Barber. Chapter 37. THE IDENTIFICATION The following September found Daryl again in Ophir and re-established in his old time quarters. To his old office he had added the room formerly occupied by Walcott, his increasing business demanding more office room and the presence of an assistant. Before leaving the East he revisited the members of his old syndicate and informed them that he intended henceforth making his headquarters in the West, and if they wished to employ him as their expert he would execute commissions from that point. To this they readily agreed, and also gave him letters of introduction to a number of capitalists interested in Western mining properties who were only too glad to secure the services of a reliable expert who would be on the ground and familiar with existing conditions. As a result Daryl had scarcely reopened business at his former quarters before he found himself with numerous Eastern commissions to be executed in addition to his old work as an assayer. He was prepared for the changes which had taken place during the year of his absence, his father having kept him thoroughly informed of all that had occurred. Daryl was delighted at the story of Kate Underwood's coolness and bravery in saving her father's life, and sent her a note of hearty congratulation which she kept among her cherished treasures. Since that time occasional letters were exchanged between them. Hers, bright, entertaining sketches of their travels here and there, with comments characteristic of herself regarding places in people. His permeated with the fresh exhilarating atmosphere of the mountains, and pervaded by a vigor and virility which roused Kate's admiration, yet led her to wonder if this could be the same lover who had won her childish heart in those idyllic days. Each realized the fact that notwithstanding their love, notwithstanding their staunch comradeship, at present they were little more than strangers. Daryl's love for Kate was a reality, but her personality, so far as he could recall it, was little more than a dream. Each letter revealed some unexpected phase of her character. He found their correspondence an unfailing source of pleasure, and was content to await the time of their meeting, confident that he would find the real woman all and more than the ideal which he fondly cherished as his dream love. And to Kate, each letter of Daryls brought more and more forcibly the conviction that the lover whom she remembered was as a dream compared with the reality she was to meet some day. About six months had elapsed when Daryl received early one morning the following telegram from his father summoning him to Galena. Come over on first train, important. By the first train he would reach Galena a little before noon. He had not breakfasted, and had but twenty minutes in which to make it. Calling a carriage he went directly to his office where he left a brief explanatory note for the clerk, written on the way, then drove with all possible speed to the depot arriving on time but without a minute to spare. He breakfasted on the train, and while running over the morning paper his attention was caught by a dispatch from Galena to the effect that one of the leading banks in that city had been entered and the safe opened and robbed on the preceding night. The robbers of whom there were three had been discovered by the police. A fight had ensued in which one officer and one of the robbers were killed, the second robber wounded, while the third had made his escape with most of the plunder. It was further stated that they were known to belong to the notorious band of outlaws so long the terror of that region, and it was believed that the wounded man was none other than the leader himself, the murderer of Harry Whitcomb and the young express clerk, for whom there was a standing reward of twenty-five thousand dollars, dead or alive. The man was to have a preliminary examination that afternoon and the greatest excitement prevailed in Galena as it was rumored that others of the band would probably be present, scattered throughout the crowd, for the purpose of rescuing their leader. In a flash Daryl understood his father's summons. He let the paper fall and unmindful of his breakfast, gazed abstractedly out of the window. His thoughts had reverted to that scene in the sleeper on his first trip west. He seemed to see it again in all its sickening detail, the face of the assassin standing out before him with such startling distinctness and realism that he involuntarily placed his hand over his eyes to shut out the hateful sight. At Galena he was met by his father, who took a closed carriage to his hotel conducting Daryl immediately to his own room, where he ordered lunch served for both. Do you know why I have sent for you, Mr. Britain inquired as soon as they were left alone together? I had no idea when I started, Daryl replied, but on reading the morning paper on my way over I concluded you wanted me at that trial this afternoon. You are correct. Are you prepared to identify that face? Is your recollection of it as distinct as ever? Yes, after reading of that bank robbery this morning, the whole affair in the car that night came back to me so vividly I could see the man's face as clearly as any face on the train with me. Good! Mr. Britain ejaculated. Do you think there is any likelihood of an attempt to rescue him, as stated by the paper, Daryl inquired rather incredulously? If the leader of the band finds himself in need of help it will be forthcoming, Mr. Britain answered with peculiar emphasis. The citizens are expecting trouble, and have sworn in about a dozen extra-deputy sheriffs, myself among the number. When lunch was over Mr. Britain ordered a carriage at once, and they proceeded to the courtroom. What is your opinion of this man? Daryl asked his father while on the way. Would you have selected him as the murderer from your study of him? I reserved my opinions until later, Mr. Britain replied. I want you to act from memory alone, unbiased by any outside influence. Arriving at the courtroom they found it already well-filled. Daryl was about to enter, but his father took him into a small enter-room while he himself went to look for seats. They had a little difficulty in finding the seats he wanted, which delayed them so, that the proceedings had begun as he and Daryl entered from a side door, and took their places in rather an obscure part of the room. You will have a good view here, Mr. Britain said to Daryl, as they seated themselves, and there is little likelihood of your being recognized from this point. There is little probability of the man's recognizing me even if he is here, Daryl replied, for he did not give me a second thought that night, and if he had, I am so changed to see what he would not know me. We cannot be too cautious, his father answered. In a few moments the prisoner was brought in, and there was a general craning of necks to see him, a number of men in Daryl's vicinity standing, and thus obstructing his view. Wait, said his father, as he was about to rise with the others. Don't make yourself conspicuous. When the man is called for examination you will have an excellent view from here. Curiosity gradually subsided, and the men sank back into their seats as proceedings went on. Then the prisoner was called and stood up for examination. Daryl drew a quick breath and leaned eagerly forward. The man was of medium height and size, but his movement seemed heavy and clumsy, whereas Daryl had been impressed by a liveness and agility in the movements of the other. He stood facing his interlocutor, affording Daryl a three-quarter view of his face, but soon he turned in Daryl's direction, turning the crowd slowly as though in search of someone. Daryl saw a squarely-built, colorless face, surmounted by a shock of coarse, straight black hair, with heavy repulsive features and small, bullet-shaped, leaden eyes of rather light blue. The face was so utterly unlike what he had expected to see, that he sank back into his seat with a smothered exclamation of disgust. His father, watching closely, smiled, seeming rather pleased than otherwise, but Daryl was half-indignant. The idea of a lout like that being taken for the leader, he exclaimed, he is nothing but a tool and a pretty clumsy one at that. Notwithstanding his vexation, Daryl continued to watch the proceedings, and in a few moments began to grow interested not so much in the examination as in the conduct of the prisoner. The latter evidently had found the face for which he was looking for his eyes seem glued to a certain spot. Occasionally he would shift them for a moment, but invariably with each new interrogatory they would turn to that particular spot as the needle to the pole, not through any volition of his own, but drawn by some influence against which he was temporarily powerless. That man is under a spell, he is being worked by someone in the crowd, Daryl exclaimed to his father in a low tone. Yes, and by someone not very far from us, I have spotted him, see if you cannot. Following the direction of the man's glance, Daryl began to scan the faces of the crowd. Suddenly his pulses gave a bound. Seated a little distance and partially facing them was a man of the same size and height as the prisoner, but whose every move and poise suggested alertness. He was leaning his arms on the back of the seat before him, his head was lowered so that his chin rested lightly on one hand, while the other hand played nervously with the seat on which he leaned. His whole attitude was that of a wild beast crouched ready to spring upon his prey. He had an oval face with deep olive skin, wavy black hair cut close except where it curled low over his forehead, and through the half-closed eyes, fixed upon the prisoner's face, Daryl caught a glint like that of burnished steel. For an instant Daryl gazed like one fascinated. He had not expected such an exact reproduction of the face as he had seen it on that night. His father touched him lightly. He nodded significantly in reply. "'There is your man,' he exclaimed. "'You are sure? You could swear to it,' queried his father. "'Swear to it? Yes. I would have known him anywhere. But sitting there watching that man, his face is precisely as I saw it that night. Wait a moment. Look!' The man, in his agitation at some word of the prisoner's, raised one hand and brushed his forehead with a nervous gesture which lifted his hair slightly, disclosing one end of a scar. "'Did you see that scar?' Daryl questioned eagerly. "'You will find it almost crescent-shaped, rather jagged, and nearly three inches in length.' "'That is all I wanted,' his father replied. "'I have the warrant for his arrest with me, and the examination is so nearly over, I shall serve it at once.' "'Can I help you?' Daryl asked, as his father moved away. "'No. Stay where you are. Don't let him see you until after he is under arrest.' The examination of the prisoner had just ended when Mr. Britton, accompanied by two deputies, re-entered the courtroom. The man still maintained his crouching attitude intently watching proceedings. Mr. Britton approached from the rear, seizing the man suddenly by the arms he pinioned him so that for an instant he was unable to move, and one of the deputies, leaning over, snapped the handcuffs on him before he fairly realized what had happened. Then with a swift movement, Mr. Britton raised him to his feet and lifted him quickly out into the aisle, while his voice ring authoritatively through the courtroom. "'José Martinez, alias Walcott, I arrest you in the name of the State.' The man shouted something in Spanish, evidently a signal, before it was repeated in different parts of the room. Instantly all was confusion. A shot fired from the rear wounded one of the deputies. A man seated near Daryl drew a revolver, but before he could level it, Daryl knocked it from his hand and felled him to the floor. The officers rushed to the spot, and as the outbreak subsided, Mr. Britton brought forward his prisoner. A murmur of consternation rose throughout the room, for Walcott had been known years before among the businessmen of Galena, and there were not a few citizens present who had known him as Mr. Underwood's partner. Walcott, taking advantage of the situation, began to protest his innocence. Mr. Britton unmoved, at once beckoned Daryl to his side. Upon seeing him, Walcott's face took on a ghastly hue, and he seemed for a moment on the verge of collapse, but he quickly pulled himself together regarding Daryl, meanwhile, with a venomous malignity seldom seen on a human face. Not the least surprised man in the crowd was Daryl himself. To you mean to say, he asked his father, that this is the Walcott of whose villainy you have been writing me, and that he and the murderer of Harry Whitcomb are one and the same? So it seems, Mr. Britton replied, but that is no more than I have suspected all along. Now I understand your fear of my being recognized. It seemed inexplicable to me, said Daryl. If he had seen you, his father replied, he would have suspected your errand here, at once. In credulity was apparent on many faces as Walcott's examination was begun. He was morose and silent, and nothing could be elicited from him. When Daryl was called upon, however, and gave his evidence, in credulity gave place to conviction. As he completed his testimony with a description of the scar, which upon examination was found correct, the crowd became angry and threats of lynching and personal violence were heard on various sides. The judge therefore ordered that the prisoners be removed from the courtroom to the jail before any in the audience had left their places. In charge of the regular sheriff and four or five deputies, the prisoners were led from the courtroom. They had but just reached the street, however, when those inside heard shots fired in quick succession, followed by angry cries and shouts for help. The crowd surged to the doors to see the officers surrounded by a band of the outlaws who had been lying in wait for their appearance, having been summoned by the signal given on the arrest of the leader. With the help of the citizens the fight was soon terminated, but when the melee was over it was discovered that the sheriff had been killed, a number of citizens and outlaws wounded, and Martina's alias Walcott had escaped. Chapter 37 Recording by Patty Cunningham