h to see you if he should have a lucid interval, and
there may not be time to send for you."

"I must risk that rather than disobey him in his extremity."

"As you will," replied Mr. Fabian. And no more was said on the subject.

When they reached the foot of the mountain and the level of the river
road, the horses were put upon their speed, and they soon arrived at
Rockhold.

"I will wait in the carriage until you go in and inquire how he is,"
said Corona, as the vehicle drew up before the front door.

Mr. Fabian got out and hurried up the steps. The door stood open, cold
as the day was, and all things wore the neglected aspect of a dwelling
wherein the master lay stricken unto death. The housekeeper, Martha,
was coming down the stairs and crying.

"How is your master?" breathlessly inquired Mr. Fabian.

"Oh, Marse Fabe, sir, jes' livin', an' dat's all!" sobbed the woman.
"Dunno nuffin. Layin' dere jes' like a dead corpe, 'cept for breavin'
hard," wept the woman.

"Who is with him?"

"Me mos' times an' young Mark. I jes' come down to speak 'long o' you,
Marse Fabe, w'en I see de carriage dribe up."

"Well, go back to your master. I will speak to my niece, and then come
in," said Mr. Fabian, as he hurried out to the carriage. All his
interview with the housekeeper had not occupied two minutes, but Cora
was pale with suspense and anxiety.

"How is he?" she panted.

"Unconscious, my poor girl. Oh, Cora! come in!"

"No, no; I must not. Not until he permits me. I will stop at the
ferryman's cottage. Oh, if he should recover consciousness--oh, Uncle
Fabian, ask him to let me come to him, and send me word."

"Yes, yes; I will do it. I must go to him now. Charles," he said,
turning to the coachman, "drive Mrs. Rothsay down to the ferry house,
and then take the carriage to the stables."

And then, with a grave nod to Corona, Mr. Fabian re-entered the house.
The coachman drove the carriage down to the ferryman's cottage and drew
up. The door was open and the cottage was empty.

"Boat on t'other side, ma'am," said Charles.

"For the doctor, I suppose--and hope," said Corona, looking across the
river, and seeing a gig with two men coming on to the ferryboat.

She watched from the door of the ferryman's cottage while Charles drove
off the empty carriage toward the stables and the two ferrymen poled
their boat across the river. She retreated within the house before the
boat touched the land, for she knew that th