They talked for a long time, Joe telling of the war and his experiences, Judge North informing him of many things that had taken place during his absence, and were soon to take place in the State.
As the sun declined Joe looked at his watch.
"Come home to dinner with me, Judge, and meet my family," he said. "I have often talked to Father and Mother about you and I would like you to meet them. It's only a short ride, and I have my buggy here."
The Judge, who had contemplated spending the night at the little cross-roads hotel, gladly accepted the invitation.
It was twilight as they drove across the prairies and approached the little soddy. The warm rosy afterglow was lingering in the sky, and silhouetted against it a figure moved toward them across the prairie, a light, graceful figure, the after-glow touching its crown of golden hair into gleaming splendor.
As they drew nearer Judge North fastened his eyes upon the girl who was coming to meet them, with a strange, intent expression.
When she raised her hand and waved to them he turned to Joe swiftly. "Who is that girl?" he asked.
"It is my—my—a—foster—sister," Joe answered, his face flushing a little.
"I asked"—explained Judge North,—"because as she came toward us in this light she bore such a strange, such a remarkable resemblance to some one I—some one I loved very dearly."
The girl had drawn nearer now, and seeing that there was a stranger in the buggy was about to turn back when Judge North leaned forward and stared at her, then leaped out and ran to her.