Little Sue was overcome with weariness and fear, and could not be comforted.
The maiden carried her with one arm and with the other supported Sinth. So, slowly, they made their way over the rough trail.
"How came you here?" Master inquired, presently.
"We saw the fire coming and hurried to Slender Lake, and fled in boats and came down the river."
When, late in the night, the little band of lovers reeled across the dimlit clearing, it was in sore distress. Their feet dragged, their hearts and bodies stooped with heaviness. A company of woods-folk, who stood in front of Harris's looking off at the fire, ran to meet them. They lifted the dragging Emperor and helped the young man carry him in-doors. Master was no sooner relieved of his burden than he fell exhausted on the floor.
Edith Dunmore knelt by him and raised his hands to her lips. She helped him rise, and then for a moment they stood and trembled in each other's arms, and were like unto the oak and the vine that clings to it.
Dunmore and his mother stood looking at them. The white-haired man had taken the children in his arms.
"I thought she went to bed and to sleep long ago," he muttered.
"Without her we should have perished," said the old lady. .
"Yes, and she shall have her way," he answered. "One might as well try to keep the deer out of the lily-pads." He kissed the boy and girl, and added, with a sigh, "This world is for the young."