of
identification,"--he paused in front of Darrell, looking him earnestly
in the face,--"that, I hope, will one day be yours."

"Mine!" exclaimed Darrell. "How so? I do not understand."

"Mr. Underwood has told me that soon after your arrival at The Pines and
just before you became delirious, there was something on your mind in
connection with the robbery and Whitcomb's death which you wished to
tell him but were unable to recall; and both he and his sister have said
that often during your delirium you would mutter, 'That face! I can
never forget it; it will haunt me as long as I live!' It has always been
my belief that amidst the horrors of the scene you witnessed that night,
you in some way got sight of the murderer's face, which impressed you so
strongly that it haunted you even in your delirium. It is my hope that
with the return of memory there will come a vision of that face
sufficiently clear that you will be able to identify it should you meet
it, as I believe you will."

Darrell scrutinized his friend closely before replying, noting his
evident agitation.

"You have already met this man and recognized him!" he exclaimed.

"Possibly!" was the only reply.

_Chapter XXII_

THE FETTERS BROKEN

Early on the morning of the third day after Mr. Britton's arrival at
camp he and Darrell set forth for The Pines. But little snow had fallen
within the last two days, and the trip was made without much difficulty,
though progress was slow. Late in the day, as they neared The Pines, the
clouds, which for hours had been more or less broken, suddenly
dispersed, and the setting sun sank in a flood of gold and crimson light
which gave promise of glorious weather for the morrow.

Arriving at the house, they found it filled with guests invited to the
wedding from different parts of the State, the rooms resounding with
light badinage and laughter, the very atmosphere charged with excitement
as messengers came and went and servants hurried to and fro, busied with
preparations for the following day.

Kate herself hastened forward to meet them, a trifle pale, but calm and
wearing the faint, inscrutable smile which of late was becoming habitual
with her. At sight of Darrell and his friend, however, her face lighted
with the old-time, sunny smile and her cheeks flushed with pleasure. She
bestowed upon Mr. Britton the same affectionate greeting with which she
had been accustomed to meet him since her childhood's days. H