“Thank you,” said Carlos. “I will remember you, and repay you some time, if I ever have an opportunity.”
He shrank from offering money, as he instinctively felt that it would offend Kate. So, after again and again expressing his gratitude, he took leave of the two, shaking hands with them heartily.
Kate stood and watched him, a new light coming into her eyes, and a sigh escaping her, coming from the profoundest depths of her nature. The seeds of a hopeless passion had been planted in her heart.
Carlos’ thoughts were different. As he turned toward Dalton he was filled with terrible though vague apprehensions. Although he drove rapidly, he approached the villagewith fear and trembling, and felt that he was rushing into the jaws of death. And even at the early hour at which he entered the town, he saw that there was an unusual stir. The few that were out, instead of going quietly about their usual business, were talking with one another in excited tones, with sober looks and blanched faces.
Well did he know the terrible nature of their half-whispered words and low-spoken discussions.
CHAPTER V.
THE WRONG MAN.
The masked stranger tore through the shrubbery in mad pursuit after Carlos, uttering the most fearful imprecations.
He strained every nerve to increase his speed, and groaned in desperation as he saw Carlos jump into his buggy and drive off. He ran on to the spot where his horse was stationed, and, once mounted, there was a chance that he might overtake the object of his pursuit.
But Carlos drove rapidly, and, by the time the assassin was mounted, was out of sight.