“Night is coming on and we ought to be on our way. I suppose you are in authority over these people. Without your consent we cannot proceed.”
“No––but it is far from my intention to interfere with so worthy a mission as yours. I might even assist you. I am always glad to do anything that will help strangers to leave. Sometimes this is done in one way and––sometimes in another. I expected this Sorez to leave by to-morrow.”
“To-morrow? Why, he can’t have more than reached the lake.”
“No, but strangers do not remain long by the lake.”
For the last few moments the Priest had seemed 236 more normal, but now the uncanny, fanatical look returned to his eyes. Stubbs nudged Wilson to rise.
The three moved towards the door.
“I shall not interfere with you––at present,” said the Priest. “But––a word of advice––work quickly. As far as the girl is concerned I think she will be ready to return by to-morrow.”
“You have seen her?”
“Not myself, but I have a thousand eyes seeing for me in these mountains. They have seen the girl and they tell me she is well,––so much for your comfort.”
But there was a smile still about the corners of the mouth which Wilson did not like.