Soon the shadows fell in
the little valley, and the hill beyond the cedars lost itself in
the deepening haze that now crept in from the tranquil sea.
Carl's voice calling to Cully to take in the Gray roused her to
consciousness. She pushed back her chair, stood for an instant
watching Carl romping with Patsy, and then walked slowly toward
the stable.
By the time she reached the water-trough her old manner had
returned. Her step became once more elastic and firm; her strong
will asserted itself. She had work to do, and at once. In two
hours the board would meet. She needed all her energies and
resources. The lovers must wait; she could not decide any
question for them now.
As she passed the stable window a man in a fur cap raised his head
cautiously above the low fence and shrank back into the shadow.
Tom threw open the door and felt along the sill for the lantern
and matches. They were not in their accustomed place. The man
crouched, ran noiselessly toward the rear entrance, and crept in
behind a stall. Tom laid her hand on the haunches of the horse
and began rolling back his blanket. The man drew himself up
slowly until his shoulders were on a level with the planking. Tom
moved a step and turned her face. The man raised his arm, whirled
a hammer high in the air, and brought it down upon her head.
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