The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1910-11-29

collision with a submerged ledge that
very nearly upset the boat. No harm
was done, however, and he proceeded
upon his errand.
Having secured accommodation at the
Vale, he returned to the Cliff, for he
had resolved to see both Randall and
Dillon that night.
Silence and solitude reigned every
where for Muskoka goes early to bed.
No sign of human habitation Is visible
from the pier, for the trees hide the
hotel completely.
There is a tiny shed on the pier, and
as Bryce turned in that direction aft,
er making fast his boat Ballard Dill
lon stepped out directly in his path.
II was waiting for YOU said Dillon.
and the next instant he thrust revolv
er into Bryrp's face. I'VE must have
a little talk but not here Get back
into the boat"
Bryce obeyed because he knew Dill
lon. A threat from that man was not
subject to any discount. In spite of
his many weaknesses of character he
was one who would not display
weapon in mere bravado, but with the
intent and the nerve to use it.
Bryce got into the boat, and Dillon
followed him. sitting in the stern and
commanding Bryce to take the oars.
"Now pull" said he and pointed
with the revolver.
A few strokes brought the boat out
into the sweep of the wind. and she
began to drive off short at a lively
rate. Bryce looked up at the cliff and
| saw the light before the door Of Amy's
room.
II know what you did in New York, "
said Dillon. 1--WE had word from
there. | know what you've got in your
pocket. Now can't afford to have
| that evidence delivered to Mr.. Ran
dali I'm in trouble enough already,
but can smooth it over. Your story
would put me beyond help
do you expect me to promise to be
silent?" asked Bryce and stopped row
ing.
Keep on with those oars" said Dill
Ion sternly, but he did not answer the
question.
In a flash Bryce saw into the others
mind. His death alone would make
Dillon safe. His silence would not be
secured by promise, but by a pistol
shot and the waters of the lake
Bryce looked up at the bright light
on the veranda of the Cliff, and an in
spiration seemed to come from it, He
shaped his course as he had shaped
1t before. His life was in Amy's
hands. and she did not know it. II
she should extinguish that light his
guide to safety would be gone.
He saw Dillon draw in his breath
His teeth cleaned in the darkness
revealed by the straining of the thin
lips.
stop rowing" said he "Give me
those papers" And he stood up in
the boat, with both hands extended
Bryce, knowing that he must be neal
the place, rowed on. His eyes were
fixed upon the light.
"Stop, tell your commanded Dill
lon, bending farther forward
The boat struck the rock. A wave
was under her stern, and she came
down the harder.
Dillon was flung clear beyond Bryce
He struck heavily upon the rail ant
went over the side. The revolver wal
discharged. but harmlessly.
The boat was swept clear of tn,
ledge and filed, her bow being stow,
In. Bryce chung to her and shouted
to Dillon, who was now disarmed, TO
his revolver had fallen into the boat
There was no answer. The man wa
strong swimmer, yet he did not ris
to the surface. He must have beel
stunned by his fall. for the lake hell
him. He was never seen again.
/ Bryce worked his way to shore witt
, the swamped craft. He looked bacl
toward the Cliff. and the bright lam
! was still there. but as he gazed
! fiickered as if reckoning and then wa
quenched. Bryce stood with out
stretched hands, his heart straining a
;. its moorings, toward that spot.