 CHAPTER 38 Within the pocket. The remainder of that day and the following night were spent in fruitless efforts to determine the whereabouts of the fugitive. Telegrams were sent along the various railway lines into every part of the state. Messengers were dispatched to neighboring towns and camps, but all in vain. For the first thirty-six hours it seemed as though the earth must have opened and swallowed him up. There was not even a clue as to the direction in which he had gone. The second morning after his disappearance, reports began to come in from a dozen different quarters of as many different men all answering the description given of the fugitive who had been identified as the criminal. Four or five posseys averaging a dozen men each, all armed, set forth in various directions to follow the clues which seemed most worthy of credence. For the next few days reports were constantly received from one posseys or another to the effect that they were on the right trail. The fugitive had been seen only the preceding night at a miner's cabin where he had forced two men at the point of a revolver to surrender their supper of pork and beans, or some lonely ranchman and his wife had entertained him at dinner the day before. He was always reported as only about ten hours ahead. Foot sore and weary, but at the end of ten days they returned disorganized, dilapidated, and disgusted without even having had a sight of their man. Other bands were sent out with instructions to separate into squads of three or four and search the ground thoroughly. Some of them were more successful in that they did occasionally get sight of the fugitive, but always under circumstances disadvantageous to themselves. Three of them stood one day talking with a rancher who only two hours before had furnished the man under protest with a hearty dinner and a fine rifle. The rancher pointed out the direction in which he had gone, over a rocky road leading down a steep rough ravine. As he did so his guest appeared on the other side of the ravine within good rifle range. A mutual recognition followed. The men started to raise their rifles, but the other was too quick for them. Covering them with the rifle which he carried he walked backward a distance of about forty yards and then with a mocking salute disappeared. Bloodhounds were next employed, but the man swam and waited streams and doubled back on his own trail till men and dogs were alike baffled. This continued for about two months, then all reports regarding the man ceased. Nothing was heard of him. It was surmised that he had reached the pocket, and all efforts at further search were for the time abandoned. Of all those concerned in the efforts for his capture there was not one more thoroughly disgusted with the outcome than Mr. Britain. For months he had had this man under surveillance, convinced that he was a criminal and planning to bring about his capture. Through his own efforts he had been identified, and by his coolness and presence of mind he had accomplished his arrest when nine out of ten others would have failed and all seemed now to have been effort thrown away. He regretted the man's escape the more especially as he felt that his own life as well as that of his son was endangered so long as he was at liberty. About a month after the search was abandoned Mr. Britain was one day surprised by a call from the wife of Martinez. He had not seen her since his one interview with her months before. He was sitting in Mr. Underwood's office looking over the books brought in for his inspection when she entered, alone, and unannounced. She seated herself in the chair indicated by Mr. Britain and proceeded at once to the object of her visit. Signor, you told me when I last saw you that my secret would one day come out. You were right, it has. It is my secret no longer, and Jose Martinez fears me no longer. You have been kind to me. You saved his life once. You fed me when I was hungry and asked no return. I will show you I do not forget. Signor, there is twenty-five thousand dollars reward for that man. The officers will never find him, but I will take you to him. The reward is then yours, and justice overtakes Jose Martinez as you said it would. Do you accept? Do you know where he is, Mr. Britain queried, somewhat surprised by the woman's proposition? Yes, Signor, I have just come from there. He is in the pocket, is he not? Yes, Signor. But neither you nor your men could find the pocket without a guide. I know it well. I have lived there. What is your proposition, Mr. Britain, inquired after a brief silence? How do you propose to do this? I will start tomorrow for the pocket. You come with me and bring the dogs. I will take you to a cabin where you can stay overnight while I go on alone to the pocket to see that all is right. I will leave you my veil for ascent. The next morning you will set the dogs on my trail and follow them till you come to a certain place I will tell you of. From there you will see me. I will watch for you and give you the signal that all is right. The dogs will bring you to the pocket in half an hour. The rest will be easy work, Signor. I promise you. But isn't the place constantly guarded? Not now, Signor. The men have gone away on another expedition. But Jose does not dare go out with them at present. Only one man is there beside Jose. I know him well. He will be asleep when you come. I shall need men with me to help me in bringing him back, said Mr. Britain. Bring them, but I think he will give you little trouble, Signor. As Mr. Britain cared nothing for the reward himself, he chose five men to accompany him, to whom he thought the money would be particularly acceptable. And the following morning, with two bloodhounds, they started forth in three separate detachments to attract as little attention as possible. The first part of their journey was by rail. The men taking the same train as the woman herself, on their arrival at the little station which she had designated, conveyances for which Mr. Britain had privately wired a personal friend living in that vicinity, were waiting to take them to their next stopping place. They reached the cabin of which the woman had spoken late in the afternoon. Here they picketed their horses and prepared to stay overnight, while she went on to the pocket. Before leaving she gave Mr. Britain the lace scarf which she wore about her head. I shall not go in there until night, she said. Then I can watch and find if all is right. You start early to-morrow morning on foot. Set the dogs on my trail and follow them to the fork. Then turn to the left and follow them till you come to a small tree standing in the trail on which I will tie this handkerchief. Straight ahead of you you will see the entrance to the pocket. Wait by the tree till you see my signal. If everything is right I will wave a white signal. If I wave a black signal, wait till you see the white one or till I come to you. Early the next morning Mr. Britain and his men set forth with the hounds in leash leaving the horses in charge of their drivers. The dogs took the scent at once and started up the trail the men following. They found it no easy task they had undertaken. The trail was rough and steep and in many places so narrow they were forced to go in single file. Some of the men, in order to be prepared for emergencies, were heavily armed and progress was necessarily slow. But at last the fork was passed and then the time seemed comparatively short ere a small tree confronted them, a white handkerchief fluttering among its branches. They paused and drew back the hounds then looked about them. Less than ten feet ahead the trail ended. The rocks looked as though they had been cut in two, the half on which they were standing falling perpendicularly a distance of some eighty feet, while across a rocky ravine some forty feet in width, the other half rose, an almost perpendicular wall eighty or ninety feet in height. In this massive wall of rock there was one opening visible resembling a gateway, and while the men speculated as to what it might be the woman appeared waving a white handkerchief and they knew it to be the entrance to the pocket. She evidently expects us to come over there, said one of the men, but blamed if I can see a trail wide enough for a cat. Send the dogs ahead, ordered Mr. Britain. The dogs on taking the scent plunged downward through the brush on one side bringing them out into a narrow trail leading down and across the ravine. Just above on the other side they could see the woman watching their every move. I've always heard, said one of the men, there was no getting into this place without you had a special invitation, and it looks like it. Just imagine one of those fellows up there with a gun, holy Moses! He'd hold the place against all the men the state or the United States for that matter could sin down here. The scent of the other side was difficult, but the men put forth their best efforts, and ere they were aware found themselves before the gateway in the rocks where the woman still awaited them. She silently beckoned them to enter. Emerging from a narrow pass some six feet in length they found themselves in a circular basin about two hundred feet in diameter surrounded by perpendicular walls of rock from one hundred to five hundred feet in height. The bottom of the basin was level as a floor, and covered with a luxuriant growth of grass while in the center a small lake clear as crystal reflecting the blue sky which seemed to rise like a dome from the rocky walls, gleamed like a sapphire in the sunlight. Sheer and dark the walls rose on all sides, but at one end of the basin where the rocks were more rough and jagged a silver stream fell in glistening cascades to the bottom where it disappeared among the rocks. For a moment the men lost an admiration of the scene, forgot that they were in the den of a notorious band of outlaws, but a second glance recalled them to the situation, for on all sides of the basin were caves leading into the walls of rock and evidently used as dwellings. To one of these the woman now led the way. At the entrance a man lay on the ground, his heavy, statorious breathing, proclaiming him a victim of some sleeping potion. The woman regarded him with a smile of amusement. I made him sleep, senor," she said, addressing Mr. Britain. So he will not trouble you. Still leading the way into the farther part of the cave she came to a low couch of skins at the foot of which she paused. Pointing to the figure outlined upon it, she said calmly, He sleeps also, senor, but sound. So sound you will need have no fear of waking him. Her words aroused a strange suspicion in Mr. Britain's mind. The light was so dim he could not see the sleeper, but a lantern burning low hung on the wall above his head. Seizing the lantern he turned on the light holding it so it would strike the face of the sleeper. It was the face of Jose Martinez, but the features were drawn in ghastly. He bent lower listening for his breath, but no sound came. He laid his hand upon his heart, but it was still. Raising himself quickly he threw the rays of the lantern full upon the woman standing before him. A small crucifix clasped in her hands. Under his searching gaze her face grew pale and ghastly as that upon the couch. You have killed him," he said slowly with terrible emphasis. She made the sign of the cross. Holy Mother, forgive," she muttered. Then, though she still quailed beneath his look, she exclaimed half defiantly, I have not wronged you. You have your reward, and Justice has overtaken him as you said it would. That is not Justice, said Mr. Britain, pointing to the couch. It is murder, and you are his murderer. You should have let the law take its course. The law, she laughed mockingly. Would your law avenge my father's death, or the wrongs I have suffered? No. My father had no son to avenge him. I had no brother, but I have avenged him and myself. I have followed him all these years, waiting till the right time should come. Waiting for this. Dreaming of it night and day. I have had my revenge, and it was sweet. I did not kill him in his sleep, senor. I wakened him just to let him know he was in my power. Just to hear him plead for mercy. Hush, said Mr. Britain firmly, for the woman seemed to have gone mad. You do not know what you are saying. You must get ready to return with me. She grew calm at once, and her face lighted with a strange smile. I am ready to go with you, senor, she said, at the same time clasping the crucifix suddenly to her breast. With the last word she fell to the ground, and a slight tremor shook her frame for an instant. Quickly Mr. Britain lifted her, and bore her to the light. But life was already extinct. Within her clasp tans underneath the crucifix they found the little poisoned stiletto. CHAPTER XXXIX For a year and a half Daryl worked uninterruptedly at Ophir, his constantly increasing commissions from eastern states testifying to his marked ability as a mining expert. Notwithstanding the incessant demands upon his time, he still adhered to his old rule reserving a few hours out of each twenty-four which he devoted to scientific or literary study as his mood impelled. He soon found himself again drawn irresistibly towards the story begun during his day at the Hermitage, but temporarily laid aside on his return east. He carefully reviewed the synopsis which he had written in detail, and as he did he felt himself entering into the spirit of the story till it seemed once more part of his own existence. He revised the work already done, eliminating, adding, making the outlines clearer, more defined, then with steady unfaltering hand carried the work forward to completion. Eighteen months after his re-establishment at Ophir, he was commissioned to go to Alaska to examine certain mining properties in a deal involving over a million dollars. An anxious to be on the ground as early as possible, he took the first boat north that season. His story was published on the eve of his departure. He received a few copies which he regarded with a half fond, half whimsical air. One he sent to Kate Underwood, having first written his initials on the fly-leaf underneath the brief petition, be merciful. He then went his way, his time and attention wholly occupied by his work, with little thought as to whether the newly hatched craft was destined to ride the waves of popularity or be engulfed beneath the waters of Oblivion. Months of constant travel of hard work and rough fare followed. His report on the mines was satisfactory. The deal was consummated, and he received a handsome percentage. But not content with this, determined to familiarize himself with the general situation in that country and the conditions obtaining, he pushed on into the interior, pursuing his explorations till the return of the cold season. Touching at British Columbia on his way home and finding tempting inducements there in the way of mining properties, he stopped to investigate and remain during the winter and spring months. It was therefore not until the following June that he found himself really homeward bound, and once more within the mountain ranges guarding the approach to the busy little town of Ophir. He had been gone considerably over a year. He had accumulated a vast amount of information invaluable for future work along his line, and he had succeeded financially beyond his anticipations. Occasionally during his absence, in papers picked up here and there, he had seen favorable mention of his story, from which he inferred that his first venture in the dreams of fiction had not been quite a failure. And in this opinion he was confirmed by a letter just received from his publishers which had followed him for months. But all thought of these things was for the time forgotten in an almost boyish delight that he was at last on his way home. As he came within the sight of the familiar ranges his thoughts reverted again and again to Kate Underwood. His whole soul seemed to cry out for her with a sudden insatiable longing. His mail had of necessity been irregular and infrequent. Their letters had somehow miscarried, and he had not heard directly from her for months. Her last letter was from Germany. She was then still engrossed in her music, but her father's health was greatly improved, and he was beginning to talk of home. Her father's latest letter had stated that the Underwoods would probably return early in July. And this was June. Still felt a twinge of disappointment. He was now able to remember many incidents in their acquaintance. He recalled their first meeting at the pines on that June day five years ago. How beautiful the old place must look now! But without Kate's presence the charm would be lost for him. He regretted that he had started homeward quite so soon. The time would not have seemed so long among the mining-camps of the great north-west as here where everything reminded him of her. The stopping of the train at a health resort far up among the mountains, a few miles from Ophir, roused Daryl from his reverie. With a sigh he recalled his wandering thoughts and left the car for a walk up and down the platform. The town perched saucily on the slopes of a heavily tempered mountain, looked very attractive in the gathering twilight. Though early in the season the hotel and sanitarium seemed well filled while numerous pleasure-seekers were promenading the walks leading to and from the springs which gave the place its popularity. Daryl felt a sudden, unaccountable desire to remain. Without waiting to analyze the impulse, as inexplicable as it was irresistible which actuated him, he hastened into the sleeper and secured his grip and topcoat. As the train pulled out he stepped into the station and sent a message to his father at Ophir, stating that he had decided to remain over a day or two at the springs and asking him to look after his baggage on its arrival. He then took a carriage for the hotel. It was not without some compunctions of conscience that Daryl wired his father of his decision, and even as he rode swiftly along the winding streets he wondered what strange fancy possessed him that he should stop among strangers instead of continuing his journey home. To his father it would certainly seem unaccountable, as it did now to himself. Mr. Britton, however, on receiving his son's message, could not restrain a smile. For only the preceding day he had received a telegram from Kate Underwood at the same place, in which she stated that they had started home earlier than at first intended, and as her father was somewhat fatigued by their long journey they had decided to stop for two or three days' rest at the springs. Daryl arrived at the hotel at a late hour for dinner. The dining-room was therefore nearly deserted when he took his place at the table. Dinner over he went out for a stroll, and glad to be alone with his thoughts walked up and down the entire length of the little town. His mind was constantly on Kate. Again and again he seemed to see her as he loved best to recall her, standing on the summit of the Divide. Her wind tossed her, blown about her brow, her eyes shining as she predicted their reunion in perfect love. Over and over he seemed to hear her words, and his heart burned with desire for their fulfilment. He had waited patiently. He had shown when he could achieve how he could win. But all achievements, all victories, were worthless without her love and presence. The moon was just rising as he returned to the hotel, but it was still early. His decision was taken. He would go to a fear by the morning train, learn Kate's whereabouts from his father, and go to meet her in a company her home. He had chosen a path leading through a secluded portion of the grounds, and as he approached the hotel his attention was arrested by someone singing. Glancing in the direction whence the song came, he saw one of the private parlours brightly lighted. The long, low window opened upon the veranda. Something in the song held him entranced, spellbound. The voice was incomparably rich, possessing wonderful range and power of expression. But this alone was not what especially appealed to him. Through all and underlying all was a quality so strangely, sweetly familiar, which thrilled his soul to its very depths. Whether with joy or pain he could not have told, it seemed akin to both. Still held by a spell, he drew nearer the window until he heard the closing words of the refrain, words which had been ringing with strange persistency in his mind for the last two or three hours. Some time, some time, and that will be God's own good time for you and me. His heart leaped wildly, with a bound swift and noiseless he was on the veranda, just as the singer, with tender lingering emphasis, repeated the word so low as to be barely audible to Daryl standing before the open window. But even while he listened, he gazed in astonishment at the singer. Could that magnificent woman be his girl-love? She was superbly formed, splendidly proportioned. The rich warm blood glowed in her cheeks, and her hair gleamed in the light like spun gold. He stood motionless. He would not retreat. He dared not advance. At last the words of the song died away. A slight sound caused the singer to turn, facing him, and their eyes met. That was enough. In that one glance the memory of his love returned to him like an overwhelming flood. She was no longer his dream-love, but a splendid living reality, only more beautiful than his dreams or his imagination had portrayed her. He stretched out his arms towards her with the one word, Kathy. She had already risen. A great unspeakable joy illuminating her face. But at the sound of that name, vibrating with the pent-up emotion, the concentrated love of all the years of their separation, she came swiftly forward, her bosom palpitating, her eyes shining with the love called forth by his cry. He stepped through the low window within the room. In an instant his arms were clasped about her, and holding her close to his breast his dark eyes told her more eloquently than words of his heart's hunger for her. While in her eyes and in the blushes running riot in her cheeks he read his welcome. He kissed her hair and brow with a sort of reverence. Then hearing voices in the corridor and rooms adjoining, he seized a light wrap from a chair nearby and threw it about her shoulders. Come outside, sweetheart, he whispered, and drawing her arm within his own led her out onto the veranda and down the path along which he had just come. In the first transport of their joy they were silent, each almost fearing to break the spell which seemed laid upon them. The moon had risen, transforming the somber scene to one of beauty. But to them, love's radiance had suddenly made the world inexpressibly fair. The very flowers as they passed breath perfume like incense in their path, and the trees whispered benedictions upon them. The spell first broke the silence. I would have been in no fear to-night, but some mysterious irresistible impulse led me to stop here. Did you weave a spell about me, you sweet sorceress? he asked, gazing tenderly into her face. I think it must have been some higher influence than mine, she replied, with sweet gravity. For I was also under the spell. I supposed you many miles away. Yet as I sang to-night it seemed as though you were close to me, as though if I turned I should see you, just as I did, she concluded with a radiant smile. But how did you find me? How does the night-bird find its mate, he queried, in low vibrant tones? Then, as her color deepened, he continued with passionate earnestness. I was here where we are now, my very soul crying out for you when I heard your song. It thrilled me. I felt as though waking from a dream, but I knew my love was near. Down through the years I heard her soul calling mine. Following that call, I found my love, and listening heard the very words which my own heart had been repeating over and over to itself, alone and in the darkness. Almost unconsciously they had stopped at a turn in the path. Daryl paused a moment, for tears were trembling on the golden lashes. Drawing her closer, he whispered. Kathy, do you remember our parting on the divide? Do you think I could ever forget, she asked? You predicted we would one day stand reunited on the heights of such love as we had not dreamed of then. I ask you when that day would be. Do you remember your answer? I do. He continued in impassioned tones. Are not the conditions fulfilled, sweetheart? My love for you then was as a dream, a myth, compared with what I bring you to-day. And looking in your eyes I need no words to tell me that your love has broadened and deepened with the years. Kathy, is not this the time appointed? It must be, she replied. There could be none other like this. Holding her head against his breast and raising her face to his, he said. You gave me your heart that day, Kathy, to hold in trust. I have been faithful to that trust through all these years. Do you give it me now for my very own? Yes, she answered slowly with sweet solemnity, to have and to hold forever. He sealed the promise with a long rapturous kiss. But what followed, the broken disjointed phrases, the mutual pledges, the tokens of love given and received, are all among the secrets which the mountains never told. As they retraced their steps towards the hotel, Daryl said, we have waited long, sweetheart. Yes, but the waiting has brought us good of itself, she answered. Think of all you have accomplished. I know better than you think, for your father has kept me posted. And better yet, what these years have fitted you for accomplishing in the future? To me, that was the best part of your work in your story. It was strong and cleverly told, but what pleased me most was the evidence that it was but the beginning, the promise of something better yet to come. If only I could persuade all critics to see it through your eyes, Daryl replied with a smile. Do you wish to know, she asked with sudden seriousness, what will always remain to me the noblest, most heroic act of your life? Most assuredly I do, he answered, her own gravity checking the laughing reply which rose to his lips. The fight you made and won alone in the mountains the day you renounced our love for honour's sake. I can see now that the stand you took and maintained so nobly formed the turning point in both our lives. I did not look at it then as you did. I would have married you then and there, and gone with you to the ends of the earth rather than sacrifice your love, but you upheld my honour with your own. You fought against heavy odds and won, and to me no other victory will compare with it since greater they who on life's battlefield with unseen foes and fierce temptations fight. Daryl silently drew her nearer himself, feeling that even in this foretaste of joy he had received ample compensation for the past. A few days later there was a quiet wedding at the springs. The beautiful church on the mountainside had been decorated for the occasion, and at an early hour, while yet the robins were singing their matins, the little wedding party gathered about the altar where John Daryl Britton and Kate Underwood plighted their troth for life. Above the jubilant bird songs, above the low subdued tones of the organ, the words of the grand old marriage service rang out with impressiveness. Besides the rector and his wife, there were present only Mr. Underwood, Mrs. Dean, and Mr. Britton. It had been Kate's wish, with which Daryl had gladly coincided, thus to be quietly married surrounded only by the remediate relatives. Let our wedding be a fit consummation of our betrothal, she had said to him, without publicity, unhampered by conventionalities, so it will always seem the sweeter and more sacred. That evening found them all at the pines, assembled on the veranda watching the sunset, the old home seeming wonderfully restful and peaceful to the returned travellers. The years which had come and gone since Daryl first came to the pines, told heaviest on Mr. Underwood. His hair was nearly white, and he had aged in many ways, appearing older than Mr. Britton, who was considerably his senior. But age had brought its compensations, for the stern, immobile face had softened, and the deep-set eyes glowed with a kindly, beneficent light. Mr. Britton's hair was well silvered, but his face bore evidence of the great joy which had come into his life, and as his eyes rested upon his son, he seemed to live anew in that glorious young life. To Mrs. Dean the years had brought only a few silver threads in the brown hair, and an added serenity to the placid, unfurlred brow. Calm and undemonstrative as ever, but with a smile of deep content, she sat in her accustomed place, her knitting needles flashing and clicking with their old-time regularity. Duke, who had been left in Mr. Britton's care during Daryl's absence, occupied his old place on the top-stair, but even at his five years of added dignity could not restrain him from the occasional demonstrations of joy at finding himself again at the pines and with his beloved master and mistress. As the twilight began to deepen, Kate suggested that they go inside and lead the way. Not to the family-sitting room, but to a spacious room on the eastern side, a room which had originally been intended as a library, but never furnished as such. It was beautifully decorated with palms and flowers, while the fireplace had been filled with light boughs of spruce and fur. As they entered the room, Kate, slipping her arm within Mr. Britton's, led him before the fireplace. "'My dear father,' she said, "'we have chosen this evening as the one most appropriate for your formal installation in our family circle and our home. I say formal because you have really been one of ourselves for years. You have shared our joys and our sorrows. We have had no secrets from you. But from this time we want you to take your place in our home as you did long ago in our hearts. We have prepared this room for you, to be your sanctum sanctorium, and have placed in it a few little tokens of our love for you and gratitude to you which we beg you to accept as such.' She bent towards the fireplace. The hearthstone is ever an emblem of home. In lighting the fires upon this hearthstone we dedicate it to your use and christen this, our father's room. The flames burst upward as she finished speaking, sending a resinous fragrance into the air and revealing a room fitted with such loving thought and care that nothing which could add to his comfort had been emitted. Near the centre of the room stood a desk of solid oak, a gift from Mr. Underwood. Besided a reclining chair from Mrs. Dean, while on the wall opposite, occupying nearly a third of that side of the room, was a superb painting of the hermitage, standing out in the firelight with wonderful realism, perfect in its bold outlines and somber colouring. The united gift of his son and daughter, which Daryl had ordered executed before his departure for Alaska, was loving congratulations the rest of the group gathered about Mr. Britain, who was nearly speechless with emotion, as Mr. Underwood rung his hand, he exclaimed, with assumed gruffness. Jack, old partner, you thought you'd got a monopoly on that boy of yours, but I've got in on the deal at last. You haven't got any of the best of me, Dave, Mr. Britain retorted, smiling through his tears, for I've got a share now in the sweetest daughter on earth. Yes, papa, Kate laughingly rejoined. There are three of us Britons now. The Underwoods are in the minority. Which, though a new view of the situation to that gentleman, seemed eminently satisfactory. Later, as Kate found Daryl at a window, looking thoughtfully out into the moonlit night, she asked, of what are you thinking, John? Of what the years have done for us, Kathy? Of how much better fitted for each other we are now than when we first loved? Yes, she whispered as their eyes met. God's own good time was the best. The End of CHAPTER XXXXXXXXXXXXX, Recording by Patty Cunningham.