The San Francisco call., 1907-01-27
CHAPTER i
10 Face al the WlndoW


A IKE a clap Of thunder, the north
wind, rushing seswsrd. seemed
L. suddenly to threaten the ancient
little building with destruction. The
window sashes ratified, the beams
which supported the roof creaked and
groaned, the oil lamps by which alone
he place was lit swung perilously in
their chains. A row OF maps designed
for the instruction OF the young
the place was a schOolhouse-com-
menced a devils dance against the
wall. In the street without we heard
the crash Of a fallen chimney pot.
nv audience Of four rose timorously
to its feet, and ], glad Of the excuse,
folded my notes and stepped from the
slightly raised platform to the
floor.
Il am much obliged to you for COM
ing" ] said, but I think that it is
quite useless to continue, for ] can
scarcely make you bear. and I am
not at all sure that the place is sale.
spoke hastily. ~ ope, desire beiIs
TO escape from The scene Of my hui
initiation unaccoste6. One of my lit
tie audience, however, was of a differ
ent mind Rising quickly from one OF
the back seats, she barred the way.
Her broad, comely face was full of
mingled contrition and sympathy.
'I am so sorry. Mr.. Ducaine," she
exclaimed. ct does seem a cruel pity,
doesn't it2-snd such beautiful lee
turel ] tried so hard to persuade dad
and the others to come, but you know
how they all love hearing anything,
about the war, and"
MY dear Miss Moyat," interrupted,
81 am only sorry that a mistake
sense of kindness should have brought
you here. With one less in the audi
ence I think I should have ventured
20 suggest that we all went round to
hear Colonel Ray. I should like to
have gone myself immensely"
Blanche Moyst looked at me doubt
fully
That's all very well" she declared.
''but ] think it's Jolly mean of the
Duke to bring him down here the very
night you were giving your lecture"
Il DO not suppose he knew any
thing about that" answered. "In any
case, can give my lecture again any
time, but none OF US may ever have
another opportunity Of hearing Colonel
Ray. Allow me"
opened the door, and a storm Of
sleet and spray stung our faces. Old
Pegg, who had been there TO sell and
collect tickets, shouted to us.
shut the door quick master. or it'll
be blown to smithereens It's real
nor'easter, and bad 'un at that.
Why, the missie'n hardly stand. I'll
see to the lights and lock up, Master
Ducaine. Better be getting hosm
while thee can, for the creeksu run
full tonight" -,
Once out in the village street was
spared the embarrassment OF conver-
sation. We had to battle the way
step by step. We were drenched with
spray and the driving rain. The wind
kept us breathless, mocking any at
tempt at speech. We passed the vii
Iage hall, brilliantly lit; the shsdowy
forms Of a closely packed crowd Of
people were dimly visible through the
uncurtained windows. fancied that
my companions clutch upon my arm
fightened as we hurried past.
We reached a large gray stone
house fronting the street. Miss Moyat
Laid her hand upon the handle Of the
door and motoned me to enter.
I shook my head.
mot tonight" ! shouted. 4 am
orenched."
She endeavored to persuade me.
Tor a few moments, at any rate"
she pleaded. "The others will not be
home Yet, and / viii make you some
thing hot Father is expecting you
TO supper"
I shook my head and staggered on.