The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-09-27


wrecks which had taken place before Mr..
Bently had caused Terruth's Beacon,
shortened into Truths Beacon to be bull
and lighted in bad weather whenever any
of the local fishing boats were out. Truth s
Beacon. 1t stood firm, clearly outlined
against the gray sea and grayer sky, and
it touched Oliver's hesitation into resolu-
tion, and he turned towards the Bently
home, determined to give his news fully
and simply.
AT the house Oliver was admitted by
the oldest, most trusted servant.
''Eh, master will be mighty glad to see
you, sir, and Miss Muriel.'
Is she about p interrupted Oliver.
"No, sir
"That is right. Say nothing about my
coming to Miss Bentley, and take me to
your master
"Is it bad news p queried the old man.
Oliver nodded, and nothing was spoken
till the servant opened door and announc-
ed him.
Within the room, Mr.. Bently started
up and advanced to meet Oliver, but the
words of welcome died on his lips, chilled
by the sight of his visitors grave face.
'tWhat is the matter? You bring bad
news p he asked quickly.
eyes, was the quiet, sad response
"About Cyril? Is he i'll? Dead ?"
came the startled question
81 am afraid SO.
''But how? When? We never heard
ne was i'll. Why were we not told And
Mrs. Bentley joined her husband in quick
and anxious inquiry.
So Oliver told his story Himself a
prisoner in the hotel through sprained
ankle, he had seen Cyril sail away, to re-
turn, he hoped, in four days; he had
waited and Cyril had not come. He told
of the upturned boat, of the bodies of the
two drowned sailors being washed ashore,
of the fading away of every hope during
the following fortnight.
Then voice-a merry voice-singing,
was. heard; and Mr.. Bently said impera-
lively
'Muriel-she must not be told
"But, - Oliver was beginning.
''No, not today nor tomorrow She
must be prepared for the shock gradually
Not word of your real news to her. Mr.
Vernon, please.
And Muriel came into the room. How
her face lighted up when she saw that her
parents were not alone
s'Oliver r she said, stretching out both
hands in greeting, 81 am glad to see
you r Then looking round the room,
she asked "Where is Cyril p
Oliver looked inquiringly at Mr. Bent
ley.
'sCyril, my dear, is delayed. He will
be here, | think you said, turning to
Oliver, Gin two or three days?'
Oliver nodded acquiescingly; he felt
that there was nothing else to do.
''But what is the matter? Why
couldn' he come? p Muriel went on.
''Well, you see, my dear,.'' faltered
Mr. Bently, che has met with a slight
accident, only very slight one, in fact
he has-he has sprained his ankle.
Oliver turned away, annoyed and hurt
by Mr.. Bentley's childish, stupid inven-
ton. He looked out through the window
over stretch of grey sea, to where the
beacon was standing firm and clear.
But Muriel was pressing another ques-
ton upon her father
''Why didn't he write? 1t is more
than six weeks since we heard from him. -
s'He hurt his hand as we'll as his an
Gle. 4"
"He might have wired, then, was the
very natural and impatient comment from
Muriel.
Mr.. Bentley looked helpless, and Oil
yer was constrained to say
Don't you think, Muriel, that tele
gram would have been terribly upsetting?"
You see you have simply thought during
the past three weeks that Cyril was cruis-
ing about and might sail into the bay here
any day
II would have preferred to be told, y
Muriel said simply, and she left the room,
evidently little hurt.
sYou will tell her the truth p Oliver
said pleadingly, to Mr.. Bentley.
''Not today, nor tomorrow. She ex-
pected him today; tomorrow is her birth
day, always feast-day with her. .
''But we cannot keep it from her. And
is it right to deceive 2
"The question of right scarcely comes
in,' Mr. Bentley replied stifiy, ''we are
deceiving her for her own good.
Again Oliver turned away annoyed by
the sophistry. And Mr.. Bentley's voice
broke in upon him.
Besides, Mr.. Vernon, We know what
is best for our dear child
"You will remember, Mr.. Vernon,
please, Mr.. Bentley said imperatively,
"that our poor friend Cyril is suffering
from sprained ankle. -
"And an incapacitaed right hand, |