"He said important business here at once?"
The gate closed with a vigorous slam and the echo of Norton's step was heard on the gravel walk.
"Yassam, dar he is now."
Cleo trembled and hurried to the opposite door:
"If the major asks for me, tell him I've gone to the meeting in the Square."
She passed quickly from the room in a panic of fear. She couldn't meet him in this condition. She must wait a better moment.
Andy, arranging his tray, began to mix three mint juleps, humming a favorite song:
"Dis time er-nudder year,
Oh, Lawd, how long!
In some lonesome graveyard—
Woh, Lawd, how long!"
Norton paused on the threshold with a smile and listened to the foolish melody. His whole being was quivering with the power that thrilled from a great act of will. He had just made a momentous decision. His work in hand was done. He had lived for years in an atmosphere poisoned by a yellow venomous presence. He had resolved to be free!—no matter what the cost.
His mind flew to the boy he had grown to love with deeper tenderness the past weeks. The only thing he really dreaded was his humiliation before those blue eyes. But, if the worst came to worst, he must speak. There were things darker than death—the consciousness to a proud and sensitive man that he was the slave to an inferior was one of them. He had to be free—free at any cost. The thought was an inspiration.