She did not scream; she did not faint; she was not even frightened.  There did not seem to be anything terrifying in this huge, stupid beast, who, arrested by the rustle of a stone displaced by her descending feet, rose slowly on his haunches and gazed at her with small, wondering eyes.  Nor did it seem strange to her, seeing that he was in her way, to pick up a stone, throw it in his direction, and say simply, “Sho! get away!” as she would have done to an intruding cow.  Nor did it seem odd that he should actually “go away” as he did, scrambling back into the bushes again, and disappearing like some grotesque figure in a transformation scene.  It was not until after he had gone that she was taken with a slight nervousness and giddiness, and retraced her steps somewhat hurriedly, shying a little at every rustle in the thicket.  By the time she had reached the great gateway she was doubtful whether to be pleased or frightened at the incident, but she concluded to keep it to herself.

It was still intensely cold.  The light of the midday sun had decreased still more, and on reaching the plateau again she saw that a dark cloud, not unlike the precursor of a thunder-storm, was brooding over the snowy peaks beyond.  In spite of the cold this singular suggestion of summer phenomena was still borne out by the distant smiling valley, and even in the soft grasses at her feet.  It seemed to her the crowning inconsistency of the climate, and with a half-serious, half-playful protest on her lips she hurried forward to seek the shelter of the house.

CHAPTER III

To Kate’s surprise, the lower part of the house was deserted, but there was an unusual activity on the floor above, and the sound of heavy steps.  There were alien marks of dusty feet on the scrupulously clean passage, and on the first step of the stairs a spot of blood.  With a sudden genuine alarm that drove her previous adventure from her mind, she impatiently called her sister’s name.  There was a hasty yet subdued rustle of skirts on the staircase, and Mrs. Hale, with her finger on her lip, swept Kate unceremoniously into the sitting-room, closed the door, and leaned back against it, with a faint smile.  She had a crumpled paper in her hand.

“Don’t be alarmed, but read that first,” she said, handing her sister the paper.  “It was brought just now.”

Kate instantly recognized her brother’s distinct hand.  She read hurriedly, “The coach was robbed last night; nobody hurt.  I’ve lost nothing but a day’s time, as this business will keep me here until to-morrow, when Manuel can join me with a fresh horse.  No cause for alarm.  As the bearer goes out of his way to bring you this, see that he wants for nothing.”

“Well,” said Kate expectantly.