e tears trickled down my cheeks, and I wondered
much to see her who had been so haughty, so cold, become subdued and
penitent.

CHAPTER XXX

THE TRAIL OF THE SERPENT

No words can describe how strange I felt when I stood again in my own
bedroom alone. There was the old bed at the corner of the room, just
as I had left it long years before. Indeed, nothing in the room had
been changed, and it seemed at times as though I had never been away at
all, that the past eleven years were only a long dream, and that I was
still the gay young Roger who sported on the headland with his younger
brother.

I was very excited, and although I had not slept for many hours, I did
not feel at all like retiring to rest. I was glad to sit alone, and
listen to the roll of the waves on the beach, and think of the strange
events which had taken place.

And then there was Ruth. Although I had scarcely mentioned her name
since I had arrived she was ever in my mind. Could I now ask her to
wed me? My hands were free from the stain of blood, and hatred was no
longer in my heart. Surely I might go boldly to her now, and tell her
all I desired her to know, yet on the other hand I remembered her look
when I last saw her face, the shudder with which I was sure she had
recoiled from me. Besides, Wilfred had told me that he had more than
ever poisoned her mind against me. And yet I loved her so much! All
the experiences during the eleven years of my wandering life had but
strengthened my love for her, and that love for her was, I believe, the
only link that held me to Heaven, the only power that saved me from
falling into hell. And thus I mused on, when--

What was that I heard?

At first it seemed like a stealthy step, but I was not sure; then a few
seconds later I thought I heard someone whispering. I opened my door
and listened, but could detect nothing.

"It is my fancy," I said, "or else the servants are preparing to get
up."

I did not know the time, but I knew that morning must soon be breaking.
A drowsy sensation was now creeping over me, so I prepared for a few
hours' rest, but as I lay down on the old bed I had used as a boy I
distinctly heard the sound of horses' hoofs; They seemed a good way
off, but I was not sure, as the night was still, and the sound would
travel far and fast; but there was nothing to trouble about, so with a
sweet feeling of restfulness I fell asleep.

When I awoke it was broad daylight, and