She did not scream; she did not faint; she was not even frightened. There did not seem to be anything terrifying in this huge, stupid beast, who, arrested by the rustle of a stone displaced by her descending feet, rose slowly on his haunches and gazed at her with small, wondering eyes. Nor did it seem strange to her, seeing that he was in her way, to pick up a stone, throw it in his direction, and say simply, Sho! get away! as she would have done to an intruding cow. Nor did it seem odd that he should actually go away as he did, scrambling back into the bushes again, and disappearing like some grotesque figure in a transformation scene. It was not until after he had gone that she was taken with a slight nervousness and giddiness, and retraced her steps somewhat hurriedly, shying a little at every rustle in the thicket. By the time she had reached the great gateway she was doubtful whether to be pleased or frightened at the incident, but she concluded to keep it to herself.
It was still intensely cold. The light of the midday sun had decreased still more, and on reaching the plateau again she saw that a dark cloud, not unlike the precursor of a thunder-storm, was brooding over the snowy peaks beyond. In spite of the cold this singular suggestion of summer phenomena was still borne out by the distant smiling valley, and even in the soft grasses at her feet. It seemed to her the crowning inconsistency of the climate, and with a half-serious, half-playful protest on her lips she hurried forward to seek the shelter of the house.
CHAPTER III
To Kates surprise, the lower part of the house was deserted, but there was an unusual activity on the floor above, and the sound of heavy steps. There were alien marks of dusty feet on the scrupulously clean passage, and on the first step of the stairs a spot of blood. With a sudden genuine alarm that drove her previous adventure from her mind, she impatiently called her sisters name. There was a hasty yet subdued rustle of skirts on the staircase, and Mrs. Hale, with her finger on her lip, swept Kate unceremoniously into the sitting-room, closed the door, and leaned back against it, with a faint smile. She had a crumpled paper in her hand.
Dont be alarmed, but read that first, she said, handing her sister the paper. It was brought just now.
Kate instantly recognized her brothers distinct hand. She read hurriedly, The coach was robbed last night; nobody hurt. Ive lost nothing but a days time, as this business will keep me here until to-morrow, when Manuel can join me with a fresh horse. No cause for alarm. As the bearer goes out of his way to bring you this, see that he wants for nothing.
Well, said Kate expectantly.
Well, the bearer was fired upon by the robbers, who were lurking on the Ridge. He was wounded in the leg. Luckily he was picked up by his friend, who was coming to meet him, and brought here as the nearest place. Hes up-stairs in the spare bed in the spare room, with his friend, who wont leave his side. He wont even have mother in the room. Theyve stopped the bleeding with Johns ambulance things, and now, Kate, heres a chance for you to show the value of your education in the ambulance class. The ball has got to be extracted. Heres your opportunity.
Kate looked at her sister curiously. There was a faint pink flush on her pale cheeks, and her eyes were gently sparkling. She had never seen her look so pretty before.
Why not have sent Manuel for a doctor at once? asked Kate.
The nearest doctor is fifteen miles away, and Manuel is nowhere to be found. Perhaps hes gone to look after the stock. Theres some talk of snow; imagine the absurdity of it!
But who are they?
They speak of themselves as friends, as if it were a profession. The wounded one was a passenger, I suppose.
But what are they like? continued Kate. I suppose theyre like them all.
Mrs. Hale shrugged her shoulders.
The wounded one, when hes not fainting away, is laughing. The other is a creature with a moustache, and gloomy beyond expression.
What are you going to do with them? said Kate.
What should I do? Even without Johns letter I could not refuse the shelter of my house to a wounded and helpless man. I shall keep him, of course, until John comes. Why, Kate, I really believe you are so prejudiced against these people youd like to turn them out. But I forget! Its because you LIKE them so well. Well, you need not fear to expose yourself to the fascinations of the wounded Christy MinstrelIm sure hes thator to the unspeakable one, who is shyness itself, and would not dare to raise his eyes to you.
There was a timid, hesitating step in the passage. It paused before the door, moved away, returned, and finally asserted its intentions in the gentlest of taps.
Its him; Im sure of it, said Mrs. Hale, with a suppressed smile.
Kate threw open the door smartly, to the extreme discomfiture of a tall, dark figure that already had slunk away from it. For all that, he was a good-looking enough fellow, with a moustache as long and almost as flexible as a ringlet. Kate could not help noticing also that his hand, which was nervously pulling the moustache, was white and thin.
Excuse me, he stammered, without raising his eyes, I was looking forforthe old lady. II beg your pardon. I didnt know that youthe young ladiescompanywere here. I intendedI only wanted to say that my friend He stopped at the slight smile that passed quickly over Mrs. Hales mouth, and his pale face reddened with an angry flush.
I hope he is not worse, said Mrs. Hale, with more than her usual languid gentleness. My mother is not here at present. Can Ican WEthis is my sisterdo as well?
Without looking up he made a constrained recognition of Kates presence, that embarrassed and curt as it was, had none of the awkwardness of rusticity.
Thank you; youre very kind. But my friend is a little stronger, and if you can lend me an extra horse Ill try to get him on the Summit to-night.