The native then lifted the tattie and quickly passed out of the compound upon the street, while the little group left to themselves talked in low tones of the dreadful news. They felt that the shadow of death was over them all, and there was no saying that one dear to each had not already given up his life.
"He speaks hopefully," said Marian, unfolding the letter again. Before she could do more than glance at the first lines, the father exclaimed:
"Luchman is returning! He brings important news!"
"It is Baird!" whispered Marian, leaping up and into the arms of the young surgeon, who, at that moment, lifted the tattie and bounded among the party like a burst of fresh mountain air.
CHAPTER IV.
ON THE THRESHOLD.
Who can be so welcome as the cherished one that comes to us from the jaws of death? The arrival of Baird Avery turned all the gloom into radiance, and lifted for the moment the shadow that hung over the doomed household. He paused only long enough to hold Marian for a moment in rapturous embrace, when he turned and warmly greeted her father and mother, trying in the meanwhile to answer the questions that each one rained upon him.
It took but a few minutes to give all the information at command, and then, as he was dusty, sun-burned and tired, he was glad to plunge into the house and into the bath. That refreshing luxury over, it was dark, and shortly after the evening meal was eaten. Emerging once more upon the veranda, Avery occupied one of the cane lounging chairs that were at the command of any one who chose to use them.
"Ah," he sighed, puffing at his cheroot and stretching out in the delightful support, "this is what I call luxury and no mistake. I walked all of last night, up to sunrise this morning. I was so tired that I thought I never would become rested, but now the feeling is so delicious that it is worth all the labor that produces it. I fancy I could spend a week here without wanting to change my position."
"Where is your luggage, doctor?"