His glance fell upon his companion, standing in awe and pity and love before him. Instantly a fearful malignity hardened his face, and his eyes blazed with the murder that had filled them once before. He clutched the stick more fiercely, and glared at her with a mixture of terror and ferocity. But she stood firm, and gently said,—
“My friend!”
His face instantly softened. She stood smiling, her glance caressing, her whole bearing bespeaking sympathy and affection.
“My dear friend,” she said, in a voice whose sweetness sank deep within him, “you know me!”
A look of joyous recognition swept over his face.
“I am so glad!” he breathlessly said. “I thought you had left me alone!”
Saying this, he sank to the ground, smiling upon her as he fell.
She knelt beside him, placed a soothing hand upon his cheek, and spoke comforting words. His face showed the profound gratification that filled him, and her soul spread its wings in the sunshine that filled the day with its glories.
He lay limp and helpless, but she knew that he must be going forward if he could. She caressed him, she coaxed him, she raised him to a sitting posture, she put her arms under his and lifted him to his feet; but his breathing was short and distressed, his head rolled listlessly, and his legs refused their offices. Then she realized that the last remnant of his strength, both of body and spirit, was gone; and her heart sank to the uttermost depths.
“Lay me down,” he said, very gently, but clearly, and with perfect resignation. “Lay me down, my friend, and go on alone. I am very tired, and must sleep. Keep to the road. I don’t think it is far to the nearest house. You are sure to find some one. Be brave and keep on.”