The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1902-05-08
CHAPTER ".
(Continued.)


mittance and assistance. Every one
on the island was awake and fearful
in that terrible storm. No one could
sleep or rest with the roar in the heav-
ems and the thunder of waters on the
beach, the lightning glaring as though
the heavens had opened with fire to
swallow the world.
But, interesting though. it might be
for Graham to be petted and fattered
and cared for, it was but ten minutes
at most ere he was thoroughly recov-
cred and declared his intention Of re-
turning to the hotel in spite Of every
objection.
"My wife will be anxious" he said.
quite steadily and smiling. 1T is
rather unpleasant night in which to be
out, and she will be certain to think
that have been offered as sacrifice to
Neptune"
Nonsense" retorted Gregory Ben.
sonhurst, with prompt decision. doing
his utmost to detain his friend, that
he should be entirely recovered after
his brave struggle. We'll send word
up, Harold! Do be sensible and wait
till the storm passes, there's q good
fellow! 1t is abating very much now"
But the good fellow" would not be
persuaded. He shook his head, smil-
irg.
Don't be ridiculous. Bensonhurst"
he said lightly. There is nothing the,
matter with me. Come! Mr.. Earle ia
safely cared for here until morning
and the rest of the party are all right.
save for the wetting and the scare.
and we'll go up to the hotel. The
Grants have been very gracious to this
lot Of shipwrecked sailors, but We'll
not infringe upon good nature. There
is one thing, however, that I wish to
say, and 1 shall think you no true
friends of mine If you do not agree
with me: 1t is that l wish you all to
promise-all of you, remember-that
you will withhold from those who are
not present tonight, that I saved
Palmer Earle! l have my reasons
- uSy olS sOSo lSoSOLS, wv, 90 Ou was
acknowledge tomorrow. l cannot
make the matter more clear to You
now, but I must have your promise"
Gregory Bensonhurst looked at his
friend as though he thought him be-
reft Of his senses. He and Graham
were alone for the moment, as the
others prepared to go UP to the hotel.
His eyes were keen and steady, search
ing the others face; but so were Gra-
hams eyes, and new SternnesS was
about his moutht.
Gomez he added, impatiently.
"Don't tell me so plainly that you are
not my friend, Bensonhurst. 1 have
my reasons for requesting this prom
Use. You will understand-to-morrow."
"WhJ not tonight, Harold:'
"Because"-Graham moved away ir-
ritably, frown on his face-"because
to-right it is nothing to you, Benson.
hurst. Come! Give me your promise,
will you? Or shall I go without it
and know that your friendship is not
strong enough to stand trial?"
Gregory Bensonhurst laid his hand
upon the arm of his friend to detain
him as he was passing to the door. His
face was very grave. His memory
was keen with the words of warning
uttered by Leland the previous after.
neon. Why should this man speak SO
strangely Of tomorrow?
Look here, Harold" he said, quiet
1y; Il call myself your friend. If it
is friends duty to give you this
promise, I do so. You can trust me.
And if ever there is other need to try
my friendship-try me"'
A peculiar change struck Harold
Graham's face, but he grasped the 9th
er's hand warmly.
Very WE'LL" he said. 81 thank you,
IEensonhurst. 1 shall try you sooner
than you know, perhaps. Let us CO."
They Joined the others in the hall
and upon the piazza-a group Of
drenched men, with their coats well
buttoned up about their threats and
their hats pressed close down on their
heads. Few would. have recognized
among them the half-dozen fashiona.
BILE young men idling through the pre-.
.yious day. The yachting party were
with them, save Palmer Earle, the
boats owner and the one most Sc
.vcrely injured. The storm had some
what abated and they could reach the
fhotel without such difficulties as they
fmet in starting out. They pretty well
filed the cottage and were unwilling