Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-10-15

TrOve
Its Secret Was Revealed by
a Vision
~ cLARIssA mAcEiE

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Jarvis journeyed from the little rail-
road station in brightly painted stage
drawn by two iron gray horses. He
was the only passenger for the beach,
and he shook about In the huge vehi-
Gle like the proverbial pea in barrel.
At the entrance to narrow sandy
lane shaded by wind blown cedars.
under which the marsh grass struggled
sparsely. the stage stopped.
"All outv' sang the driver Justify
Coin to the beach. We saldf" He
peered down at Jarvis with beady
black eyes beneath matches of white
eyebrows.
Yes; Edgcwater cottage Straight
aheadY Jarvis asked the question
while he threw his luggage TO the
ground and paid his fare.
"Edgewater cottage? That'll be the
Rowe place. last cottage on the left.
So long
much obliged Goodbye
Jarvis turned TO the left and walked
slowly down to the beach. his head
barred TO the fresh breeze. his lungs
gratefully inhallng the lnvigorating
salt air.
The last cottage proved TO be rath-
er large structure placed not far be-
yond high water mark Its shingles
were weather beaten to silver gray.
and the many windows tightly shut
tered looked like closed eyes in a sad
face. Ii seemed desolate enough com.
pared TO the other coy houses along
the beach. but Jarvis decided after
hasty examination that when he got
out some porch furniture and opened
up the shutters the cottage he had
hired would be III enough for his pur-
poses.
The rusty key he had obtained from
the agent creaked in the lock and the
door swung open. admitting him to
large, comfortably furnished rooms.
His first duty was 10 throw wide the
shutters and raise the window sashcs
to the fresh air Except for layer OF
dust over everything the house was in
exquisite order OF arrangement. lie
decided TO sleep in the wire Enclosed
balcony. and rs he had arranged by
letter for his meals to be sent In from
the hotel on the long point beyond
there was little for him to do save TO
arrange cot in the balcony and un-
pack his painting things.
AT sunset n steam launch from the
hotel discharged boy with basket
containing his dinner Jarvis discussed
the excellent meal on the veranda. his
artists eye lingering on the wide
sweep OF green and blue ilecked with
white that filed the foreground.
Here We're color and life enough 20
linn any number OF canvases Jarvis
was glad he had decided TO close his
studio and run away from all his
friends, and the chance that brought
him 10 Bcachside had been decided by
the childish method OF closing his eyes
and running his finger along the map
OF New Jersey while he counted ten.
Then he had opened his eyes and
found Beachside. most inconspicuous
Of small watering places. under his
finger. Now he was here.
He smoked thoughtful cigar while
the sunset tints faded TO opal and sill
yer and then a uniform slate gray set
tied over the water.
The cigar consumed. Jarvis felt for
another one In vain. Ills cigar case
was empty: also he had forgotten his
tobacco pouch lie fingered his pipe
wistfully and rummaged his traps fol
tobacco Of some sort. In sheer des.
peration he carried his tallow candle
there was no kerosene In the cottage)
from room TO room In an aimless
search for nicotine.
At LAST he whlstled joyousiy. On
small stand in one corner of the living
room he found smoking set OF ham
mered brass, The huge tobacco Jar
contained few pinchcs Of the desired
weed. and he crammed II into his pipe
gratefully.
Now he closed the door and locked It
and went up TO his balcony lie threw
himself down on the cot ana smoked
contentedly, dreamily. Overhead was
the shine Of gentle stars and on the
beach the waves broke softly. musl.
cally. He went to sleep
Jarvis was awakened by n crashing
volley Of thunder. followed by n vivid
fash Of lightning He sat up and
gazed open mouthed at the strange
scene depicted before his eyes.
There was all the wild fury OF a
hurricane bursting about his ears.
Huge waves pounded on the beach.
breaking In binding spray that drench.
cd his face. Some dark shape doomed
out OF the blackness. coming nearer.
lie diseerned the outlines Of large
white steamer. saw dark forms tossed
against her whitcness heard the blare
OF her distress signals. saw her careen
on the shoals and become engulfed IN
the sea. Still the waves broke ON the
beach. and In their tossing they flung
a dark form on the white sand beneath
the balcony