There is still balm in Gilead, even for a sinner! It was good to feel
the touch of his sister's hand, to taste the delicacies that only she
could prepare. The last long journey over the plains, at the end of
which he would find rest on the hillside where Will Cummins slept, was
almost as peaceful as his. He had renounced the world of thieves and
gamblers, and was going home.
Arrived in his native valley, he marvelled at its beauty. Why had he
ever left it, to risk life and honor in the pursuit of riches? Man's
needs are so simple! How easily he might have thriven among such kindly
neighbors! None of them could be called rich, but they had an abundance
of this world's goods, with something to spare for him, the returned
prodigal. What does it profit a man to gain the wealth of California and
lose his own soul? Had he lost his soul, then? He had proved unfaithful
to his friend. Or had he been simply unfortunate? Ah, well! he hardly
knew. He was eager to see Robert Palmer again in the world to which he
was hastening. Then he would confess all, and be forgiven. For Robert
Palmer had loved him like a son. Yes, that was what made the cup so
bitter!
CHAPTER XX
The Bridal Veil
"Where ancient forests widely spread,
Where bends the cataract's ocean fall,
On the lone mountain's silent head,
There are Thy temples, Lord of All!"
Andrews Norton.
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