"Eve!" He held her rigid a moment in his powerful grip, compelled her dazed, half-crazed eyes to meet his own:
"You must come to your senses," he said. "Listen to what I say: they are bringing in your father."
Her dilated blue eyes never moved from his.
"W found him in Drowned Valley at sunrise," said Stormont quietly. "The men are only a few rods behind me. They are carrying him out."
Her lips made a word without sound.
"Yes," said Stormont in a low voice.
There was a sound in the woods behind them. Stormont turned. Far away down the trail the men came into sight.
Then the State Trooper turned the girl very gently and placed one arm around her shoulders.
Very slowly they descended the hill together. His equipment was shining in the morning sun: and the sun fell on Eve's drooping head, turning her chestnut hair into fiery gold.
* * * * *