The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1912-02-08
TEEsE WAS NO ANSWER.

TEE.,E WAS NO ANSWER.
collision with a submerged ledge that
very nearly upset the boat. No harm
was done, however, and lie prcceelei
upon his errand.
Having secured accommodation at the
Vale. he returned to the Cliff, for lie
had resolved to see both Randall and
Dillon that night.
Silence and solitude reiGned every
where for Muskoka goes early to bed.
No S...n of human habitation i, visible
from the pier. for the trees hide the
hotel completely.
There is tiny shed on the pier. and
as Bryce turned in that direction aft
er making fast lis boat Ballard Dill
Ion stepped out directly i'll his path.
Il was waiting for YOU" said Dillon.
and the next insta.st he thrust 4 revov-
er into Bryce's face. We must have
a little talk, but not here. Get back
into the boat"
Bryce obeyed because he XIV Ill
lon. A threat from that .3 was MT
subject to any discount. III spite cf
his many weaknesses of character he
was one who weuld not display Il
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
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
|
question.
In fash Bryce saw into the others
mind. His death alone would make
Dillon safe. His silence would not be
secured by promise. but by Il 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 .sny'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 thil
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 We're
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 clung to her and shouted
to Dillon. who was now disarmed. for
his revolver had fallen into the boat
There was no answer. The nan was
!, strong swimmer. yet lie did not rise
] to the surface He must have beer
. stunned by his fall. for the lake helt
him. He was never seen again.
= Bryce worked his way to shore will
: the swamped craft. He looked bacl
toward the Cliff. and the bright lam
;, was still there. but as he gazed
i iickered az IL beckoning and then wa
= quenched. Bryce stood with o,'t
- stretched hands, his heart straining n
- ,ts moorings, toward that spot.