The Coolidge examiner., 1939-01-19
CHAPTER 1

Aloill III AODlCA 14OAll NllC wei
rubbered figure of the young man
on the dock and FLASHED into lake
the color of cold lead. With a pa
tient gesture he raised his line to ex-
anime the undisturbed worm. He
lowered it in another spot with an
expression dea0tlng resignation
rather than expectancy.
Something hooted at him from the
dim expanse of water. He did not
need to see the loon in order to
identify its offensive personality.
But he did make out, through the
misty pail, the outline of fellow
idiot-the Characterization was in
tinctive-motionles in a boat off
the mouth of the inlet. Well, maybe
the fishing was better over there. 1t
couldn't be worse. He sloshed wetly
into a skiff and covered the half
mile in jerky strokes.
The other idiot was seated amid
ships with his spine bumped and his
chin in his hands. Neither slicker,
rubber coat nor headgear protected
him from the quiet persistence of
the downpour. He seemed engrossed
in his own thoughts. From his ap-
pearance they could not have been
pleasant ones. The newcomer gave
the conventional freshwater greet
ing.
ANY luck?"
''Uh?" He started sharply, half
rose. and slumped back. Luck"
ne repeated duly. who are your"
Kelsey Hare"
well, Kelsey Hare, can't you see
that I'm fishing here?"
The strangers arrogance might
have stirred Kelsey to resentment
had it not been too much trouble to
resent anything. He observed that
there was neither rod, line, nor net
in the other boat, and put peril
nent questicn-or was it imperti-
nent?
What WITH"
The other quite plainly regarded
it as impertinent. That's my bust
ness" he stated.
Maybe you've come out here to
commit suicide" surmised Kelsey
Hare hopefully.
Much as l dislike to disappoint
you, I'm not going to commit sui
eide"
'Oh, well. then, neither will l."
Don't let me deter you," said the
stranger politely, IF you were con-
sidering it."
II did consider it. Quite seriously
for a while. Only, it calls for so
much effort. What's your idea;
would you rather be bored or drown
YOURSELF"
I'D have to have time on that.
When did you think of doing it?"
Quite while ago. I've rather
lost interest in the idea now. In fact
I've rather lost interest in every
thing. Effect of flu. Ever have
fu?"
mo"
at leaves you fiat and stale on
everything"
"I've had kind of hate on every
thing, myself" admitted the other.
You look it. Has it occurred to
you that this weather isn't improv-
ing any? I'm staying over at Sla-
ter's Inn. How about rowing back
with me and exchanging sorrows
over a drink"
At this point the sky really opened
up and showed what it could do.
Above the downpour the stranger
shouted:
My place is the nearest cover.
Follow on"
They rowed at speed TO the oppo-
site shore where an ancient stone
mansion stood, solid and solemn, a
stones throw back from the lake.
That's my joint" He hauled Kel-
sey's boat up the strand. Where
the mortgage doesn't cover it, it
leaks. Otherwise you're welcome"
Shoulder to shoulder against the
torrent they crossed a country road
to a ruinous gate covered with hon.
eysuckle in bloom half obScuring
this inscription:
HOLMESHOLM
PRIVATE PROPERTY
Kindly Help to Keep 1t That Way
MEANING YOU!
THANK YOU
JARED NJ. HOLMES, OWNER.
Mice sense of hospitality you've
got" observed the guest.
That's my late uncle. I'm Mar
tin Holmes. He left the place to me
unencumbered with anything except
debt and taxes. I was busted when
I took over. Since then I've been
doing rather less we'll"
They entered the house which
gave the effect of making a gallant
last stand against decay and disso-
luton. In its bleak disarray, Kelsey
Hare read much.
''Wel, it's still here" was his
comment. Sticking it out against
adversely. The house, l mean"
81 know what you mean" re-
turned the owner. Nov I'll ask
you one. You say you're bored with
life. Would you rather be bored or
brOke?"