It was a commonplace errand, that on which Luke had started,
but it was destined to be a very important day in his life. It was
to be a turning-point, and to mark the beginning of a new chapter
of experiences. Was it to be for good or ill? That we are not
prepared to reveal. It will be necessary for the reader to follow
his career, step by step, and decide for himself.
Of course, Luke had no thought of this when he set out. To him
it had been a marked day on account of the skating match,
but this had turned out a disappointment. He accomplished his
errand, which occupied a considerable time, and then set out on
his return. It was half-past eight, but the moon had risen and
diffused a mild radiance over the landscape. Luke thought he
would shorten his homeward way by taking a path through the woods.
It was not over a quarter of a mile, but would shorten the
distance by as much more. The trees were not close together,
so that it was light enough to see. Luke had nearly reached the
edge of the wood, when he overtook a tall man, a stranger in the
neighborhood, who carried in his hand a tin box. Turning, he
eyed Luke sharply.
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