her gray hair fallen loose. None of them looked to see the girl within
the shaded room.

"Friends," said Halsey, "I came to say 'Peace be with this house,' and
to speak with her to whom God has given the spirit of obedience to his
truth, but it is written that when any house refuses to receive us we
must depart."

His voice was for some cause growing fainter, but Susannah was certain
that the cause was not fear.

He took a letter from his breast. "I wrote it," he said, "in case I
might not enter to speak with her."

He gave the letter to Ephraim, who took it reluctantly, as one impelled
by some strong sense of right.

Halsey went out. He tottered upon the path, but he opened the gate and
walked on. Ephraim, still holding the gun and the letter, turned and saw
Susannah.

Ephraim's face was gaunt and haggard as she had never seen it before;
his eyes were large, and she thought she read unutterable distress in
them, but could not understand. She held out her hand for the letter,
but as he gave it both she and he perceived for the first time that it
was stained with blood; they felt mutually the thrill that the sight
gave.

He put his hand out suddenly and pushed her within the room. "Go," he
entreated, "for God's sake, Susy, go to your own room; take his letter