Page:The Great Secret.djvu/141

Rh appeared before care and time had clouded her life—virginal, fresh and smiling. He also felt as if he was but twenty.

"Ah, Philip, have I changed as you have? Why, you have become a boy again."

It was Adela as it was Philip, for he still had hold of her hand and waist, and both laughed merrily as they regarded each other. She, with her abundant golden brown tresses, blooming cheeks, and eyes as blue as were her child's. He, brown-haired and slender, yet wearing the characteristics which enabled her to recognise him.

"Yes, we all seem to be altered for the better since we took that dip, but it was a scorcher while it lasted," said a voice beside them that they felt was that of Captain Nelson, no longer the white-haired veteran, but a stalwart youth.

"How many have crossed over?" asked Philip, to the guides who were still beside them.

"Alas, only you three," replied Hesperia. "The others have gone back."

"Cowards!" replied the captain in his deep musical voice.

"Ah! it takes great faith and courage to cross that river," replied Hesperia softly. "Ages may pass before they win that faith and courage; meantime, they will not be unhappy, for they will have many companions in their pilgrimage through the earth, and fair scenes to dwell in. They will be happier than they were while in the flesh, but their knowledge and powers are limited. Yours have now become unlimited. Time and space will be at your command. You will know all that the earth has passed through, and can penetrate other worlds at your will."