THE CROSS-ROADS When Sylvia started awake from that terrible dream it was to hear the tread of horses' feet outside the house and the sound of men's voices talking to each other.

As she listened, these drew nearer, and soon she heard footsteps on the _stoep_ outside.

It was drawing towards sunset, and she realized that she had slept for a long time.
She felt refreshed in spite of her dream and very thankful to regain possession of her waking senses.

Her knee too was decidedly better.

She found with relief that with care she could use it.
The smell of tobacco wafted in, and she realized that the two men were sitting smoking together on the _stoep_.