with him, and then plunged into
the darkness, my only guidance at first that single ray of light
streaming through the unshaded window. The ground underfoot was
roughly irregular, cleared forest land evidently, as I occasionally
stumbled over an unremoved stump, although there was nothing to
seriously obstruct my passage until I reached the fence surrounding the
garden. By this time the outlines of the house were plainly visible
against the skyline beyond, and I realized that it was indeed quite a
mansion for that country, a great square frame structure, two full
stories in height, appearing black and deserted, except for that single
window through which the light continued to stream. While this window
was upon the lower floor, directly opposite where I stood, and no great
distance away, it was still sufficiently elevated above the ground, and
obscured by a small outside balcony, so as to afford me no glimpse
within. All I could distinguish clearly was the ceiling of what
appeared to be a rather large apartment.

As I advanced cautiously along the fence, a low structure built of
rough rails, and thus approached more closely to the front of the main
building, other lights began to reveal themselves, enabling me to
perceive that the inner hallway was likewise illuminated, although not
brilliantly. These dim lights proved sufficient, however, to unable me
to trace the general form of the broad veranda in front, with its high
roof upheld by pillars of wood--doubtless giant forest trees--and also
the wide wooden steps leading down to a circling carriage drive. In
spite of previous descriptions I had scarcely anticipated encountering
so fine a home in this land which to me was wilderness. The contrast
of what life had undoubtedly been to its inmates, and what it would now
become through the medium of this unwelcome message I bore, struck me
with new force. My mission became instantly a hateful thing, yet I
only set my lips tighter, determined to end it as quickly as possible.

By groping about with my feet I succeeded in discovering the path of
which Pete had spoken, and managed with difficulty to follow it slowly.
Winding in and out amid shrubbery, and what may have been reserved for
flower beds, this ended at a side door, which was locked. Discovering
this fact, and that it resisted all efforts at opening, I turned once
more toward the front, and advanced in that direction, securely hidden
by the dense shadow of t