XV. THE COMING OF SPRING
XVI. PRINCE OF THE HOUSE OF CLAY
XVII. PETER'S REPORT
XVIII. THE WOMAN OF PURPLE SPRINGS
XIX. THE END OF A LONELY ROAD
XX. ANNIE GRAY'S STORY
XXI. THE OPENING OF THE WAY
XXII. THE PLAY
XXIII. COMPENSATION
XXIV. HOME AGAIN
XXV. THERE IS NOTHING TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE





CHAPTER I

THE DAY BEFORE


It was the last day of February, the extra day, dead still, and biting
cold, with thick, lead-colored skies shading down to inky blue at the
western horizon. In the ravine below John Watson's house trees cracked
ominously in the frost, and not even a rabbit was stirring. The hens
had not come out, though an open door had extended an invitation, and
the tamworths had burrowed deeper into the stack of oat straw. The
cattle had taken refuge in the big shed, and even old Nap, in spite of
his thick Coat, had whimpered at the door to be let in.