Of course the argument of the sisters won the hour.  Though dreading some unforeseen danger, I temporarily yielded.  I knew the motive of the hunt well enough to know that the moment we had an ample start it would be abandoned, and the Las Palomas contingent would return to the ranch.  Yet I dare not tell, even my betrothed, that there were ulterior motives in my employer’s hunting on the Frio, one of which was to afford an opportunity for our elopement.  Full of apprehension and alarm, I took a room at the village hostelry, for I had our horses to look after, and secured a much-needed sleep during the afternoon.  That evening I returned to the Martin cottage, to urge again that we carry out our original programme by taking the south-bound stage at midnight.  But all I could say was of no avail.  Mrs. Martin was equal to every suggestion.  She had all the plans outlined, and there was no occasion for me to do any thinking at all.  Corpus Christi was not to be considered for a single moment, compared to Pleasanton and an Episcopalian service.  What could I do?

At an early hour Mrs. Martin withdrew.  The reaction from our escapade had left a pallor on my sweetheart’s countenance, almost alarming.  Noticing this, I took my leave early, hoping that a good night’s rest would restore her color and her spirits.  Returning to the hostelry, I resignedly sought my room, since there was nothing I could do but wait.  Tossing and pitching on my bed, I upbraided myself for having returned to Oakville, where any interference with our plans could possibly develop.

The next morning at breakfast, I noticed that I was the object of particular attention, and of no very kindly sort.  No one even gave me a friendly nod, while several avoided my glances.  Supposing that some rumor of our elopement might be abroad, I hurriedly finished my meal and started for the Martins’.  On reaching the door, I was met by its mistress, who, I had need to remind myself, was the sister of my betrothed.  To my friendly salutation, she gave me a scornful, withering look.

“You’re too late, young man,” she said.  “Shortly after you left last night, Esther and Jack Oxenford took a private conveyance for Beeville, and are married before this.  You Las Palomas people are slow.  Old Lance Lovelace thought he was playing it cute San Jacinto Day, but I saw through his little game.  Somebody must have told him he was a matchmaker.  Well, just give him my regards, and tell him he don’t know the first principles of that little game.  Tell him to drop in some time when he’s passing; I may be able to give him some pointers that I’m not using at the moment.  I hope your sorrow will not exceed my happiness.  Good-morning, sir.”

CHAPTER X

AFTERMATH

My memory of what happened immediately after Mrs. Martin’s contemptuous treatment of me is as vague and indefinite as the vaporings of a fevered dream.  I have a faint recollection of several friendly people offering their sympathy.  The old stableman, who looked after the horses, cautioned me not to start out alone; but I have since learned that I cursed him and all the rest, and rode away as one in a trance.  But I must have had some little caution left, for I remember giving Shepherd’s a wide berth, passing several miles to the south.