f the big room and back again,
studying every detail, revelling in the thought that now, whatever came
to her, she might take back with her a picture of himself in his own
quiet room when his work was laid aside for a little, and when, if ever
he had time and allowed himself, he perhaps thought of her.

Time flew on winged feet. With the dear face of her old friend smiling
down upon her and that psalm open beside her on the table, she never
thought of fear. And presently she remembered she was hungry, and went
foraging in the cupboard for something to eat. She found plenty of
supplies, and after she had satisfied her hunger sat down in the great
chair by the fire and looked about her in contentment. With the peace of
the room, his room, upon her, and the sweet old face from the picture
looking down in benediction as if in welcome, she felt happier than
since her father had died.

The quiet of the desert afternoon brooded outside, the fire burned
softly lower and lower at her side, the sun bent down to the west, and
long rays stole through the window and across at her feet, but the
golden head was drooping and the long-lashed eyes were closed. She was
asleep in his chair, and the dying firelight played over her face.

Then, quietly, without any warning, the door opened and a man walked
into the room!

XV

THE WAY OF THE CROSS

The missionary had been a far journey to an isolated tribe of Indians
outside his own reservation. It was his first visit to them since the
journey he had taken with his colleague, and of which he had told Hazel
during their companionship in the desert. He had thought to go sooner,
but matters in his own extended parish, and his trip East, had united to
prevent him.

They had lain upon his heart, these lonely, isolated people of another
age, living amid the past in their ancient houses high up on the cliffs;
a little handful of lonely, primitive children, existing afar; knowing
nothing of God and little of man; with their strange, simple ways, and
their weird appearance. They had come to him in visions as he prayed,
and always with a weight upon his soul as of a message undelivered.

He had taken his first opportunity after his return from the East to go
to them; but it had not been as soon as he had hoped. Matters in
connection with the new church had demanded his attention, and then when
they were arranged satisfactorily one of his flock was smitten with a
lingering illness, and