'We've been waiting for you.'
They joined him, bringing the few things that Dr Porhoet had said were
necessary, and they walked along the solitary road that led to Skene.
On each side the heather stretched into the dark night, and there was
a blackness about it that was ominous. There was no sound save 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, and they could hardly drag one foot after the other.
'You must let me rest for a minute,' said Susie.
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.
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