Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1910-12-22

collision with a submerged ledge that
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 u directly in his path.
II was waiting for you," said Dillon,
and the next instant he thrust a revolv-
er into Bryce's face. eve must have
a little talk, but not here. Get back
into the boat"
Bryce obeyed because he knew Dill
Ion. 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 it.
Bryce got into the boat, and Dillon
followed him, sitting in the stern and
commanding Bryce to take the oars.
Nov pull" said he and pointed
with the revolver.
A few strokes brought the BOAT ott
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. l 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 I 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 a 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. 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 papers" And he stood up in
the boat, with both hands extended.
Bryce. knowing that he must be near
the place, rowed on. His Eyes were
fixed upon the light.
"Stop, l tell you" commanded Dill
Ion, 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.
BE 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 filled, her bow being stove
in. Bryce chung to her and shouted
+, to Dillon, who was now disarmed. for
his revolver had fallen into the boat.
There was no answer. The man was
a strong swimmer. vet he did not rise
to the surface. He must have been
stunned by his fall. for the lake held
him. He was never seen again.
Bryce worked his way to shore with
the swamped craft. He looked back
toward the Cliff. and the bright lamp
was still there. but as he gazed 1t
iickered as II reckoning and then was
quenched. Bryce stood with out
stretched hands. his heart strainlng at
Its mornings. toward that spot.