When, however, Alec's sobs smote his ear, or the white face of his mother confronted him, the animal would gradually slacken his pace and drop into a walk.
Dominated by these emotions certain fixed resolutions at last took possession of him: He would see his mother at once, no matter at what cost--even if he defied his father--and then he would find his uncle.
Whether he would board the next vessel heaving port and return to his work in the mountains, or whether he would bring his uncle back from Craddock and the two, with his own vigorous youth and new experience of the world, fight it out together as they had once done before, depended on what St.George advised.

Now that Kate's marriage was practically decided upon, one sorrow--and his greatest--was settled forever.

Any others that were in store for him he would meet as they came.
With his mind still intent on these plans he rode at last into the open door of the small courtyard of the livery stable and drew rein under a swinging lantern.

It was past ten at night, and the place was deserted, except by a young negro who advanced to take his horse.

Tossing the bridle aside he slipped to the ground.
"He's wet," Harry said, "but he's all right.