The sculptor's work was as yet only begun.

_Chapter X_

THE COMMUNION OF TWO SOULS

Gradually the springtide crept upward into the heart of the mountains,
quickening the pulses of the rocks themselves until even the mosses and
lichens slumbering at their feet awakened to renewed life. Bits of green
appeared wherever a grass root could push its way through the rocky
soil, and fragile wild flowers gleamed, starlike, here and there, fed by
tiny rivulets which trickled from slowly melting snows on the summits
far above.

With the earliest warm days Darrell had started forth to explore the
surrounding mountains, eager to learn the secrets which they seemed ever
challenging him to discover. New conditions confronted him, sometimes
baffling him, but always inciting to renewed effort. His enthusiasm was
so aroused that often, when his day's work was done, taking a light
lunch with him, he pursued his studies while the daylight lasted,
walking back in the long twilight, and in the solitude of his room
making full notes of the results of that day's research before retiring
for the night.

Returning one evening from one of these expeditions he saw, pacing back
and forth before the office building, a figure which he at once
recognized as that of Mr. Britton. Instantly all thought of work or
weariness was forgotten, and he hastened forward, while Mr. Britton,
catching sight of Darrell rapidly approaching, turned and came down the
road to meet him.

"A thousand welcomes!" Darrell cried, as soon as they were within
speaking distance; "say, but this is glorious to see you here! How long
have I kept you waiting?"

"A few hours, but that does not matter; it does us good to have to stop
and call a halt on ourselves once in a while. How are you, my son?" And
as the two grasped hands the elder man looked searchingly through the
gathering dusk into the face of the younger. Even in the dim twilight,
Darrell could feel that penetrating glance reading his inmost soul.

"I am well and doing well," he answered; "my physical health is perfect;
as for the rest--your coming is the very best thing that could have
happened. Are you alone?" he asked, eagerly, "or did Mr. Underwood come
with you?"

"I came alone," Mr. Britton replied, with quiet emphasis, linking his
arm within Darrell's as they ascended the road together.

"How long have you been in town?"

"But two days. I am on my way to the coast, and only stopped off for a