“At the Hall he found the servants closing the window-shutters, although it was not yet dark; from that circumstance he gained confirmation of the report of the squire’s death, even before their words had given it.
“‘But Lawyer Ketcham is expected down to-night to look after affairs, and nothing more can be done until his arrival,’ was the volunteered communication of the old butler.
“Joe thanked the man and turned to go back to the farm. Ah! if he had only gone back to the farm, what woe would have been spared him and all connected with him. Strange on what seeming trifles human destiny hangs. Venerable reflection that!
“If Joe had turned to the east instead of the west, on leaving the park gates, his whole life would have been different. The east path would have led him back to the farm and to safety. The west path led him to the gates of perdition.
“The reason why, at the last moment, he turned to the west was simple enough. He remembered that there was an evening mail due at the village, and thought it just possible that Joseph Wyvil, relenting towards Lil and Joe, might have written a letter, and that he should find it at the post-office and have the delight of taking it home to rejoice the heart of the young wife. So he turned to the west, instead of to the east, and so decided his own fate.
“Joe trudged all the way to the village, whistling gayly as he went.
“He found no letter in the post-office, and feeling much disappointed, he turned to go home to the farm-house, through the gathering darkness.
“The way was long, and the sky was black with night and clouds. Joe thought to take a short cut through some thick woods, but in attempting to do so lost his way and wandered about for some time before he came out on a part of the high road unfamiliar to him.
“He turned into this; but was utterly at a loss what direction to take.
“Presently, however, he heard footsteps and voices approaching, and he spoke aloud, asking to be directed the nearest way to Hayhurst Farm.