The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-01-14
FART n.
Tho @r1arSettc.
CHAPTER N.-CoN1rSvtp.


1hE OPkN DOOh'
For perhaps minute there ragged In his
mind the coil Of this discovery; then chesrless
eertitude followed; aud. with M incredible
simplicity OF submission to ascertained fact.
he turned round and struck out for shore.
There vas q courage In this which hs could
not appreciate; the ignobility OF his cowardics
wholly occupying him. A strong current set
against him like q wind In his face he con-
tended with Il heavily YEARLY. without enthusi-
ssm but vub su bstantial advantage; marking
his progress the whole way without pleasure.
by the outline OF the trees. Once lie had mo-
mept OF hope. He heard to the southwark OF
him. toward the centre OF the lagoon. the wal
lowing Of some great fish. doubtless a shark.
and paused for little. treading watcr Might
not this be the hangman? he thought. But
the wailowing died away; mere silence sue
ceeded: and Herrick pushed on again raging
IS he went at his own strange architecture.
Az he would wait for the shark but II he had
heard him coming :! His smile was
tragic. He could have spat upon himself
About 3 In the morning, chance. and the set
OF the current. and the bias OF HIS own right
handed body. so decided it between them that
he came to shore upon tho bench In front OF
Attwaters. There he sat down and looked
forth into world without any OF the lights OF
hope The poor diving dress OF seli-concst
was sadly tattersdl With tho fairy tale OF
suicide. OF a refuge always open to him. lie
had hitherto beguiled and supported himself
in the trials Of life. and behold that also was
only fairy tale. that also was folklore. With
the consequences OF his acts. he saw himself
confronted for the duration OF life stretched
upon cross. and nailed there with the iron
bolts Of his own covardice. Ho had no tears.
he told himself no stories. His disgust with
himself was so compets that even the process
o Va ,nlN a 81 Ia.
like man east down from a pilla- and every
hone broken; he lay there. aud admitted the
facts. and did not attempt to rise.
Dawn began to break over the far eide OF
the atol. the sAy frightened. the clouds be-
same dyed with gorgeous colors. tn, shadows
OF the night lifted. And suddenly Hsrrck
was aware that the lagoon and the trees wore
again their daylight livery: and lie saw on
board the Farailons Davis exiting IL ishing tho
lantern and smoke rising from the galley.
Davis without doubt remarked and recog-
nizsd the figure on tho beach. or perhaps hcsi-
tated TO recognize it, for after he mad cazcd a
long while f-om under his hand ho went into
tho house and fetched a glass. 1t was very
powerful. Herrick had often used 1t. With
an instinc. OF shame. he hid his face.
And what brings you here. Mr.. Herrick-
Hay, or NJ. Hay Herrick?" nsHed thevoics Of
Attwater. Your back view from my present
position is remarkably fine. and would con-
tinus to present 1t. We can get on very nicely
~ We are. and II you were to turn round. do
you know. think II would be awkward"
Hsrrick slowly rose to his fest: his heart
throbbsd hard. = hidcous excitement shooE
him. but he was master OF himself. Slowly he
turned and faced Attwater and the muZzle OF
. pointed rifle. WAY could l not do that last
might 2" he thought.
We'll. why don't you fire ?" he said aloud.
with voice that trem bled.
AttwAter slowly put his gun under his arm.
then his hands in his pockets.
What brings you hcre ?" he repeated.
u don't know" said Herrck and then. with
. cry: Can you do anything with me-"
Are you Armed?" said Attwater. " l ask
for the FORMS sake"
"Armsd2 No." said Herrick 20, yes. | am"
And he flung down dripping pistol.
You are wet" said Attwater.
ies. am wet" said Herrick. Can you do
kttwater read his face attentivoly
4 would depend good deal upon what yeu
What am a coward" said Herriek.
b There IL very littlo TO be done with hat"
strikes me as exhaastivc' '''''' '''''" ""' 0''
o. what does II matter" cried Herrick.
k the Wn" "Eos Il my s nn. os
water: have noihiDg lett that believe IN sH.
C.rt my living horror Of myself Why do I
cruel. hateful. and | hate You, or l think |
b ate YOU but you are an honest man an hon
hands. What must | do Ii cant do any
tong. be psrciiul aud put, bullet through |
IL were you would rick up that pistol |
coms up to the house, and put on some dry |
Q nthe~.' said Attwater.
II you really mean II :" said Herriek. |
You knnw they've they hut you |
know all"
:. know mute enough" said AttwatsE |
- Come up to tho house"
And the Captain. FROM the deck OF the FarAl- |
lone, saw the two men pass together under the |
shadow OF the grove.