A mighty surge of desire seemed to rise up within her and overwhelm her like a wave of the sea , -- a surge that swept everything before it in an irresistible flood . As Neil Gordon swiftly and vindictively , with the face of a demon , lifted the axe he held in his hand , Kilmeny sprang forward through the gap . `` ERIC , ERIC , LOOK BEHIND YOU -- LOOK BEHIND YOU ! '' Eric started up , confused , bewildered , as the voice came shrieking across the orchard . He did not in the least realize that it was Kilmeny who had called to him , but he instinctively obeyed the command . He wheeled around and saw Neil Gordon , who was looking , not at him , but past him at Kilmeny . The Italian boy 's face was ashen and his eyes were filled with terror and incredulity , as if he had been checked in his murderous purpose by some supernatural interposition . The axe , lying at his feet where he had dropped it in his unutterable consternation on hearing Kilmeny 's cry told the whole tale . But before Eric could utter a word Neil turned , with a cry more like that of an animal than a human being , and fled like a hunted creature into the shadow of the spruce wood . A moment later Kilmeny , her lovely face dewed with tears and sunned over with smiles , flung herself on Eric 's breast . `` Oh , Eric , I can speak , -- I can speak ! Oh , it is so wonderful ! Eric , I love you -- I love you ! '' CHAPTER XVIII . NEIL GORDON SOLVES HIS OWN PROBLEM `` It is a miracle ! '' said Thomas Gordon in an awed tone . It was the first time he had spoken since Eric and Kilmeny had rushed in , hand in hand , like two children intoxicated with joy and wonder , and gasped out their story together to him and Janet . `` Oh , no , it is very wonderful , but it is not a miracle , '' said Eric . `` David told me it might happen . I had no hope that it would .
He could explain it all XXXXX you if he were here . ''
BEHIND across at before in into of that to with