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 awaited him.

CHAPTER VIII.

IN THE DARK.

There is not one upon life s weariest way, Who is weary as I am weary of all but death.

SWINBURNE.

grim sentinels by the pathway, who had been still more reluctant this evening. One of them planted himself in the trail directly in front of Cecil, and did not offer to let him go on, but stood sullenly blocking the way. Cecil touched the warrior s arm and bade him stand aside. For an instant it seemed that he would refuse, but his superstitious respect for the white tomanowos overcame his obstinacy, and he stepped unwillingly back.
 * so reluctant to let Cecil pass the day before, were

But as Cecil went on he felt, and felt rightly, that they would not let him pass again, that the last act, be it what it might, in his love drama, was drawing to a close.

A few moments walk, and he saw in the dark the little figure awaiting him under the trees. She came slowly forward to meet him. He saw that her face was very pale, her eyes large and full of woe. She gave him her hands; they felt like ice. He bent over her and kissed her with quivering lips.

"Poor child," he said, putting his arms around her slender form and drawing it close in his embrace,