His left leg could scarcely support him now, and Stuart felt a greater weariness than before. The ground at the side of the road changed suddenly to soft dirt.
This must be a byroad, leading to some spot on the island. If someone lived near here, this would be the place to call for assistance. Peering in the direction from which the road seemed to come, Stuart fancied that he saw a light through the trees.
The storm was over — only a drizzle now remained — and there were no lightning flashes to indicate the way. But as Stuart moved his head back and forth, he occasionally caught sight of a distant sparkle. There must be a house somewhere amid the trees!
Stuart started along the side road. The twinkle of the light became more evident. After a while, Stuart reached a clearing and stood before the looming bulk of an old country house, some mansion of a forgotten period.
A single light showed through a glass panel in the heavy front door. Stuart approached it and peered within.
The room inside the door was a sparsely furnished hallway, lighted by a bright oil lamp.
An elderly man was seated beside the table which bore the lamp. The man was quietly reading, and his white hair and benign appearance were reassuring.
Stuart knocked at the door. He saw the old man look up; then rise to answer the knock.
The door opened. Stuart limped into the light. He was looking at the old man, and he saw a puzzled appearance flit over the quiet face. Then the old man smiled and extended a hand in greeting.
"Ah!" he said. "You are here. I have been waiting for you. Where is your car? I did not hear you drive up."