“My Brother Gideon,
“In three days from now I shall once more walk God’s earth—a free man. Because I worked well and did as I was bidden without question, my time of punishment has been shortened. From our cousins at Stellenbosch I have obtained a wagon and oxen, by means of which I shall at once hurry home. When this reaches you I shall be well on my way. My first business must be to see you.
“We two have a reckoning to make together. It will be best that we be alone when it is made.
“Your brother,
“Stephanus.”
Aletta uttered a moan and bent forward with her face on the table. Elsie, with a rapt smile on her face stood up and laid her hand upon her aunt’s shoulder. Then a hurried step was heard and Gideon entered the room.
Seeing the letter lying upon the table where it had fallen from his wife’s nerveless hand, Gideon picked it up and hurriedly read it through. Then, with a curse, he flung it down.
“Aletta,” he cried, “I am going at once. I cannot meet him. God—why was I born this man’s brother?—Nine long years thirsting for my blood.”
“It is not your blood that he wants, Uncle Gideon,” said Elsie in a calm tone.
“Yes,—yes, Gideon,” said Aletta, “go away for a time. I will keep him here and try to soften his heart.”