The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1910-12-04
TEEaE WAS NO ANSWER.

TEEaE WAS NO ANSWER.
collision with a submerged ledge that
very nearly upset the boat. No harm
was done. however, and he proceeded
upon his Grand
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
err making fast his boat Ballard Dill
lon stepped out directly in his path.
81 was waiting for you," said Dillon.
and the next instant he thrust a revolv'
err into Bryce's face. 1--WE 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 a
weapon in mere bravado, but with the
intent and the nerve to use 1t.
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.
81 know what you did in New York, -"
said Dillon. 1--WE had word from
there | know what you've got in your
pocket. Now, l can't afford to have
that evidence delivered to Mr.. Ran
dali. I'm In trouble enough already,
but can smooth 1t over. Your story
would put me beyond help"
EDO you expect me to promise to be
silent7' asked Bryce and stopped row
ing.
keep on with those oars" said Dill
lon sternly, but he did not answer the
question.
In flash Bryce saw into the other
mind. His death alone would make
Dillon safe. His silence would not be
secured by a promise, but by 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
it before. His life was in Amy's
hands. and she did not know it. If
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 papersr' And he stood up in
the boat, with both hands extended
Bryce. knowing that he must be neaJ
the place. rowed on. His eyes werH
fixed upon the light
"Stop. l 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 and
went over the side The revolver was
discharged. but harmlessly.
The boat was swept clear Of the
ledge and filed, her bow being stove
In. Bryce chung to her and shouted
: to Dillon. who was now disarmed, fol-
his revolver had fallen into the boat
There was no answer. The man was
a strong swimmer, yet he did not rise
to the surface. He must have beer
stunned by bis fall, for the lake held
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
sAa snoorings. toward that spot-