On each side the heather stretched into the dark night, and there was a peculiar blackness about it that was ominous. There was no sound except that of their own steps. Dimly, under the stars, they saw the desolation with which they were surrounded. The way seemed very long. They were utterly exhausted now, and they could hardly drag one foot after the other.
“You must let me rest for a minute,” said Susie at last.
They did not answer, but stopped, and she sat on a boulder by the wayside. They stood motionless in front of her, waiting patiently till she was ready. After a little while she forced herself to get up.
“Now I can go,” she said.
Still they did not speak, but walked on. They moved like figures in a dream, with a stealthy directness, as though they acted under the influence of another’s will. Suddenly the road stopped, and they found themselves at the gates of Skene.
“Follow me very closely,” said Arthur.
He turned on one side, and they followed a paling. Susie could feel that they walked along a narrow path. She could see hardly two steps in front of her. At last he stood still.
“I came here earlier in the night and made the opening easier to get through.”
He turned back a broken piece of railing and slipped in. Susie followed, and Dr. Porhoët entered after her.
“I can see nothing,” said Susie.
