"_Go into the house and see._"
Then again I was filled with apprehension. I turned to go in at my door,
and, as I did so, I heard footsteps treading in the direction of the
burn, and a fading voice which cried, like an echo:--
"And then come to me."
And, as the voice died, I heard the rush of sheep in the night.
* * * * *
Filled with nameless fear and a cold apprehension, I entered the house,
and, led by some cruel instinct, made my way to Kate's room. The lamp
she always had at night burned dimly on the dressing-table and cast a
grave radiance upon an empty bed.
What could this mean?
I stole to the room of Fraser, bearing the lamp with me. His chamber was
also untenanted; but, on the quilt of the bed, lay a piece of paper
written over. I took it up and read--with the sound of the burn in my
ears:--
"You stole her from me. I take back my own. To-night we stay
at the old Manse. To-morrow we shall be far away. HUGH FRASER."
The paper dropped from my hand upon the quilt. A woman's scream rang in
my ears above the roar of flames. I understood.
* * * * *
The tribute money has been paid. I go down to the burn. The grey
traveller is waiting there for me.
ROBERT HICHENS.
FREDERIC HAMILTON.