Page:Rowland--In the shadow.djvu/58

 arose and howled as might have howled their savage ancestors as the last of the invaders was driven from the field.

The Gentlemen had won the day!

For a few moments Giles and Dessalines were the nucleus of a yelling mob of lunatics; as soon as he could disentangle himself Giles worked his way across the field to where the Maltby contingent was impatiently awaiting him. Virginia promptly sprang down and embraced him, to the huge approval of the bystanders, and even Manning was enthusiastic.

A shadow fell upon the group; before she looked about Virginia was conscious of the presence of Dessalines. Manning felt it also, but differently … as a dog feels the presence of a domesticated wild animal. He had already called upon Dessalines and expressed his obligation; it is probable that this duty was the most difficult which Manning had ever been called upon to perform, but he had gone through it gracefully and in full. The reaction had come to him while leaving, when Dessalines had held his hand for as much as ten seconds and in his deep throaty voice expressed the hope of seeing more of him. Manning had left the place pale and quivering.

Virginia's heart was beating wildly; it was the first time that she had seen Dessalines since the accident. She had written him a grateful letter, and had discussed with Giles the propriety of presenting him with some little token commemorating his great service to them. She had felt that she ought to bid Manning ask him to call, but knew that her brother would never consent to this; she was aware that Manning's antipathy toward the race 48