Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-03-15

Lame did Anderson have 10 be away
ut this one time >"
lie looked M.
"Of course all SandDorr knew he
lad left yesterday
Come Morgan said. ut won't d.
10 grow too ianciful, although ] mus
say The coroner impressed NE disa
areeably enough. Yet we must remem.
her he was afraid to come last night ,"
Since there was 50 little time they
a2reed on tie necessary arrangements
Morgan sent his man 10 Sandport Iof
he local undertaken, Tony, and the
man, when he had come back, dug The
grave on the edge of The clearing b.
he coquina house There was really
.lttle cholcc--ihe open spaces on the
island were 60 few. Then remained tie
difficult task OF waiting fer Andersen.
and hardest OF all.--tie responsibility
tor Molly.
Al last Miller gathered his courage
and entered he house.
MOLLY" he called from The sombre
hall.
Al first she did moi answer and a
great fear arasped his throat.
Il say, Molly" he faltered.
ayes. JIM" her voice came from The
head OF the stairs. Don't worry
"Bu up there he said. Isn't il
droadIulIy depressing up there
Not cheerful, Jim. but would ans
other place be more so today? | know
what you've been doing | want tc ste'
up here 4
I'orhaps II was best 10 humOur het
Worn ont by her night of watching
she might find rest.
Miller walked % the yerandai Nor
gan and he sat there. talking in low
ioues. Tony ana Mors.an's man wander
ed abot. the clearing, restless, as il ~
reoidnt of someleing unforeseen
Morgan went home at luncheon time
and took his man. Miller had no up
petite Moreover, he felt il his dnt,
to remain where he was. He callef
Tony to him. During The mornius ,a'
native had grown momentarily moros g
more nervous. Miller directed him t
return TO The Dart, get his luncheon
and remain there afterwards until ~
hailed him.
Morgan was back long before hndel
son had put in an appearance. I'm fac
il was late in the afternoon when An
derson walked into The clearing fron
the direction OF Sandpori As soon 81
he saw him Miller realized they wouit
be spared the pain of announcing Il
catastrophe
Anderson knew. His eyes were red
He looked tired. Thoughts of The is
land and fears Thai harm might spfini
there during his absence upon thos
te loved had clearly held him awak
last night.
Miller and Morgan hurried 10 moe
him. They pressed his hand
You needn't bother" Anderson sal,
in colourless voice I've heard Q,
| ery,hing. It's all they're talking abou
in Sandport. The boy who rowed m
9cross The river couldn't think OF m,
thing else los horrible--and Mol
here alone, unless one of you stayed.
Il was with her." Miller answered
Il thought you would he. | VIZ
afraid~ | shouldn't have gone didn
want to 20. And that one night--th
MY time I've been away il had {
strike"
lie paused He looked across tho ";
ter which 40 loA2er sparkled
Thank God it wasn't Molly" i
aid softly. "or you, or Morgan. 80
know il might have been--v,.y easily
"Mr. Miller and ! are pretty eapi
Bile OF taking care OF ouI selves, and {
Mrs. Anderson, too" Morgan put
WITH an attempt at laugh.
The laugh, however, held 70 note I
conviction and Miller noticed that Al
oerson's words had diminished a II
tie The mans ordinarily rudy colou
lie did not wonder at this. for he, to-
lad reacted uncomiortably to THE sin
song quality OF Andersons voice.
is unquestioning assurance. Neverth
i,ss he nodded in support OF Morgan
reply. No other answer occurred
him.
Anderson Strengthened his shoulder
IL must 20 10 Molly he said.
scarcely dare think what she's SUITE
cd"
lie led the way to the house. WhC
they reached the steps Morgan a.
down. but Miller, after moment
hesitation, followed Anderson into II
hall.
lie did not care TO force himself
such moment on his friend. Yet |
had said nothing comforting. nothit
strengthening. Ills own Temporal.