The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-01-01


Moonlight, low Of roof, but spread out
over so much ground that it bulked
large and formidable. It blended so
well with the rocks and trees that 1t
seemed a part Of the landscape, grow
ing naturally like huge mushroom
from the ground itself.
Lights twinkled in different win
dows, but a portentous silence seemed
to brood over it. There were no voices
to break the silence; no laughter, no
music, nothing of human origin.
Dick concluded that the occupants
were SO tired with their long sea trip
that rest and sleep were demanding
their attention. This conclusion
seemed corroborated when the lights
In the windows began to go out, one
at time. until the great building was
wrapped in gloom.
The last light to be extinguished was
on the upper floor in the front of the
building. When it disappeared Dick
shivered slightly as if left suddenly in
the cold
But almost Immediately it fiared up
again, brighter than before. 1t seemed
for an instant that an increase Of it's
candlepower had been miraculously
given to it. 1t twinkled brilliantly for
moment, and then went out again.
This did not startle Dick; but when
it appeared again and went out as be-
fore he blinked. He stared at the WIN
dow, watching for its temperance.
1t came in time, twinkling an instant
as before and then went out for the
last time.
Looks like signal of some kind"
he unused. Then recalling the words
Of Blake to Captain Brent, he swung
around and glanced down at the dock.
A peculiarly bright light was shining
from the masthead of the yacht, and
as Dick looked it dipped three times,
then remained motionless.
That's Brent answering" he said.
First UP at the window and then
down at the yacht he glanced, watch
ing for a renewal of the signals, but
they were not repeated The house
was wrapped in darkness. and the
lights on the yacht stationary.
But the latter did not remain so
for long. While Dick looked they be-
gan moving seward, gliding through
the darkness with an almost imper-
ceptible motion. Captain Brent evil
IDENTIFY had received his signal from
Mr.. Blake, and was leaving with the
yacht for Marsh inlet, there to wait
for further orders by wireless.
II wonder what it all MEANS" Dick
unused. Il suppose l ought to arouse
old man Cutler, and tell him"
He was suddenly cut short by two
shadows moving across the moonlit
way in his direction. He had barely
time to duck behind clump of bushes
before they were upon him. Dick
caught sight of man and woman.
but their identity was uncertain until
they began to talk.
II tell you, Marie Mr.. Blake was
saying. a little irritably, ''yous must
be careful or you'll spoil the whole
plan for us. If you appear too familiar
with me, Miss Alice will take notice.
1t was risky for you to call me out.
Suppose she'd caught you at my
door?"
What difference does it make IL
she die! ~ was the quick retort. "You
love me. don't you? Then what else
matters? Miss Cutler has her lovers.
don't see why can't have mine,
too"
Don't talk that way. Marie" in
terrupted Blake harshly. "We can't
be ordinary lovers-not here!'
"Why not? We were, in the city.
Why is it different down here? Isn't
the moonlight beautiful"
YES" replied Blake moodily. "It's
good night for sailing. Captain Brent
will be out of sight long before morn
ing"
Where is he going mot back
home?"
mo, he'll hang around until I want
him-out of sight, of course. I'll in
struct him by wireless" He stopped
suddenly, and asked: How does Miss
Alice take it? She doesn't suspect
anything, of course, does she?"
mo. Why should she? But in the
morning Struggling her shoulders
''it may be different. She was furious
when she found the servants weren't
here"