He finished, very certain that he could not have used stiffer, more stupid words; but Enid Mandifer smiled now, radiantly and gratefully.
"I shall pray for you, Lieutenant Lanark. Now, your men are ready to leave. Go, and I shall watch."
"No," he demurred. "Go yourself, get away from this dreadful place."
She bowed her head in assent, and walked quickly away. At some distance she paused, turned, and waved her hand above her head.
Lanark took off his broad, black hat and waved in answer. Then he faced about, strode smartly back into the yard beside the charred ruins. Mounting his bay gelding, he gave the order to depart.
6. Return
It was spring again, the warm, bright spring of the year 1866, when Kane Lanark rode again into the Fearful Rock country.