The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1912-04-12
CHAPTER x.

Coast had not taken two-score PAGES
along the path 10 the shore before the
day was again darkened by a sudden
and heavy thickening OF the mists
That Frightening glow, which a little
time back he had hailed with hope as
promise of early clearing. was in an
instant wiped away. So deep became
the gloom Ito his fancy, as II the fog
had been sprayed 10 saturation with
"A myriad infinitestimal atoms Of ink
that though 1t was now high morning
he found IL hard 10 see the ground be-
meath his feet
Then came the deluge The heavens
opened and drenched the earth with
flush of rain literally torrential In
. twinkling soaked to the skin, Coast
gasped for breath and bent his head
TO a downpour which whipped him
with million cruel stinging lashes.
Perforce at pause for fear of losing
his way, almost beaten thoughtless,
lacking any shelter 10 fly to. he de
rived forlorn comfort of sort from
the very violence of the squall, which
supplied its own assurance that II
could not endure long. And briefly
this proved itself: heralded by gradu.
al tightening, the heavier clouds
passed of; the initial fury exhausted
itself.
For some distance the path led him
wandering way; but this he did not
resent. any more than he really re-
sented his soaking, which seemed but
an inconsiderable annoyance TO a mind
preoccupied. His being was altogether
obsessed and the process of his
thoughts clouded by intense solicitude
and pity for Katherine--coupled with
doubts as to the wisdom Of his course.
Was he justified In leaving her,
though she begged and commanded
him? He felt his understanding har-
ried by the pro and con of the ques-
tion like a ball in volley between two
rackets. How could he leave her so?
What else could he do? She rejected,
discredited. dismissed him definitely,
without appeal She needed him-or
somebody 10 whom she might turn for
comfort and protection. Blackstock
was not 10 be trusted: yet she loved
him. II, as she protested. she were
happy in some strange fashion pass
ing Coasts comprehension, had he
any right 10 step between her and her
happiness, whatever the circum-
stances? II. as was the case. Black
stock had murdered a man in a mo-
ment Of uncomfortable rage. had
Coast any right TO leave the woman az
he mercy of temper which might
Rt any moment resume the compiex-
Ion OF homicidal LAMA? Yet would
rot his presence there. upon the is
.and, work her more harm than good.
seTs he to be discovered?
he was, IN the summing up. con
tcious OF no choice of action: be could
but 20 his ways. she desired &c. and
though his duty Che saw clearly was
70 denounce Blackstock 10 the nearest
authority. secure his arrest and i'm.
prtsonment he could not
Thus in wretched communion with
iis heart. be came almost unawares a
second time 70 the deserted fishing
village. was abruptly conscious OF
shapes OF buildings looming through
the mists and driving rain on either
hand And with this recognition re
Cured the memory OF the blind dog
aud the murdered man.
II was scant consolation that be
no longer heard the bowling Of the
dog. Perhaps e. had abandoned its
dead. perhaps be need no longer tear
20 meet the blank misery Of those IN
canny. sightless eyes. perhaps
Even as he warmed that hope. with.
out warning something more cold snd
moist than his own flesh touched bis
hand He jerked away with an uncon-
troilable shudder and a smothered ex-
ciamation Of horror. only 10 realize
that the animal had stolen up bebi0c
him and thrust It's muzzle into his