“More mystery?” Miss Stone had not exactly meant to be sarcastic.
Acey Smith gave vent to a low, harsh laugh. “No, the mystery stuff, so far as you are concerned is over,” he assured her. “And that brings me to the point I came down here to speak to you about. This morning after breakfast, if you feel equal to it, I would like you to take a walk with me up to the summit of Lookout Cliff yonder.” He pointed to a castle-like formation in the wall of rock to the east.
“But I thought we were leaving here this morning?”
“We are. But while the Indians are taking Mrs. Johnson and your belongings around to Amethyst Island, I thought you might let me take you up there to enjoy the wonderful view it affords while I tell you the story of the North Star and how you came to be woven into its history.”
“Couldn’t I hear it down at the Island?”
“You could, but there is an appropriate reason why you should be shown that view on this, your twenty-first birthday.”
“Very well,” acceded the girl, “I’ll go.”
II
Josephine Stone and Acey Smith made their start for the summit of Lookout Cliff right after breakfast. The superintendent appeared with his inevitable packsack strapped on his back, and after giving final instructions to the Indians, motioned her to accompany him.
The walk up the gradual ascent through the woods to the foot of the cliff was refreshing and invigorating, but, after the custom on northern trails, neither spoke except when it was absolutely necessary. The man seemed deeply preoccupied and the girl made no attempt to draw him out of his reverie.