But the raven, who meant that the daylight should be set free, kept hurting more and more, declaring all the time that he must have more light for his work, or the sea-gull would die. Presently the sea-gull, which had been endeavouring to have as much light for himself as was necessary, but to keep all the rest shut up, dropped the box by accident, and the daylight rushed out, spreading itself all over the world so that it could never be gathered again. The sea-gull wept bitterly on discovering what had happened, and that is why the sea-gulls still utter such a plaintive cry as they skim the waters in search of food.
Gertrude had told the legend to a good many people, at different times when she had gone up the Point, and she meant on this evening to tell it to Dr. Russell. She told stories exceedingly well; her manners were easy, and her language simple and direct. It was her one great accomplishment, and she was secretly very proud of it.
Dr. Russell had quite revolutionized Bratley; he was always pointing out some improvements, or suggesting alterations which would be for the benefit of the place. He was getting patients now, and there seemed every probability that in time he would be able to build up a lucrative practice. He had been to Lytton that day to consult a doctor there, regarding the case of a Roseneath miner who was then just occupying a spare bed in Miss Gibson’s house, in order to be under the care of the doctor.
Twenty minutes to eight o’clock, a quarter, then ten minutes. How long that last half-hour was, to be sure!
The cars had gone, and the only remaining sign of activity on the depot was an engine and one freight car waiting to take some miners to Roseneath; it would be gone in a few minutes, and then Gertrude would be free for her supper and the pleasure which was to come after.
Just then she heard a piercing shriek, many shouts, and much trampling of feet.
Running out to see what was the matter, she saw a group gathered about the engine; but before she could reach the place, a man detached himself from the group and ran at the top of his speed in the direction of Miss Gibson’s house.
“An accident; some one is hurt, and they have gone for the doctor!” she murmured, turning pale.
Just then Sam Peters saw her coming, and moved to intercept her.
“Don’t come here, Miss Lorimer; it ain’t a sight for girls. Driver Tompkins has just been and got scalded awful about the hands and face, and they’re gone to fetch the doctor to him. Go back to your office, and wait to see if you are needed to wire anywhere for help, for we haven’t got another driver on the place to-night.”