“Nothing—I found nothing at all!” he declared, curtly1. His large eyes were glowing with anger. “I can’t understand it.” His tone was full of rebellion against the injustice2 of fate.
“But—” May began. Her voice was hesitating, timid.
Masters went on stormily, disregarding her.
“I mustn’t give up though—just because they’ve come.” He nodded toward the cottage.[49] “You must introduce me, at once. Then, get them outside, to look about—and I’ll have another try at the gold.”
The girl was dismayed by his persistence3. She wished to point out the danger of discovery, but the engineer would listen to no protests, and, in the end, his inflexible4 will beat down her resistance.
So, presently, Masters was duly introduced to Mrs. West and her daughter. His manner was now all suavity5. He devoted6 himself to making a good impression, and in this he succeeded, for he was in fact usually attractive to women, though not to men, who regarded him with latent suspicion, or open hostility7, according to their various natures. In this instance, his handsome face, graceful8, frank manner and lively chat diverted and pleased the mother, while the more susceptible9 daughter found herself near to blushing under the earnest regard of a stranger so romantic of appearance and so respectfully, yet obviously, an admirer of her own charms. Indeed, though Masters was very discreet10, his manner somehow caused the trouble in May’s heart to swell11, for now[50] it was leavened12 with jealousy13. Yet, there was nothing overt14, to which she might take exception. It was, rather, an intuition that warned her. But, when she again found herself alone with her lover, she was confronted with offense15 in his first words:
“We must keep our engagement secret from them.”
Though May had had no thought of any present publicity16 for her romance, this peremptory17 command came with a shock.
“Why?” she demanded. “What do you mean, Hartley?”
“Margaret West is a pretty girl,” he explained, smiling, at last, “and she is evidently aware of the fact. If she thinks I’m dangling21, so to speak—a victim to her charms—she and her mother won’t wonder any at my hanging around the place a good deal—and it’s Miss West’s place now, you know. It wouldn’t do for me to make myself too much at home here just as your fiancé, she might be jealous.”
His smile over this none too delicate[51] pleasantry was so caressing22, his voice was so tender, he was so tall, so stalwart in picturesque23 fashion, so good to look on altogether, that May quite forgot her first instinct of indignation. After all, doubtless, he was right.
“But you won’t let her think you really serious?” she stipulated24.
“No, little girl,” he said, gently; “that wouldn’t be fair to you, or to her, or to me. But we’ll keep our secret for a time.”
And to this, albeit26 reluctantly, May consented. That reluctance27 must have become open revolt, could she have known the inner workings of her lover’s crafty28 and unscrupulous brain. For the fact of the matter was that the engineer had no sooner set eyes on Margaret West than new, daring plots began to shape themselves in his imagination. His heart thrilled at sight of her; his interest deepened second by second. He experienced, indeed, an attraction strange, dominant29. The emotion was the more impressive inasmuch as it was totally unlike that with which[52] May Thurston had inspired him. He had admired the secretary in rather a placid30 fashion; he had enjoyed her dainty appearance, he had been agreeably entertained by her lively intelligence; most of all, he had received flattering unction to his vanity from the ease of his triumph over her heart. The case of Margaret was radically31 different. Even in the first interview with this girl, he found himself subject to a spell hitherto unknown in his experience of women. Being by no means a fool, he guessed that here in truth was one actually to possess his love.
That realization32 worked no sort of regeneration in the moral nature of the man. On the contrary, since he was essentially33 selfish, it served only to spur him on toward bold speculations34 as to all possible gains for himself. Since he knew the terms of the Abernethey will, a new scheme flashed on him within five minutes of his introduction to Margaret. If he should be unable to find the hidden treasure for himself, he would strive his utmost to prevent the success of Saxe Temple in the quest, since failure on the heir’s part would mean Margaret’s[53] inheritance of one half the gold. By this means, although he would not secure the full amount of riches, he would at least become possessor of a moiety—for he would marry Margaret West. He felt no pang35 of regret for May Thurston, whom he planned to betray so basely. His sole concern was for his own advantage: the securing of the woman and the money that he desired fiercely. That he would succeed in this preposterous36 ambition, he did not doubt for a moment, confident of the favor with which the softer sex usually regarded him. He took the first step in his conscienceless scheme when he gazed with respectful admiration37 into the eyes of Margaret West; he took the second when he charged May Thurston to keep secret the troth he had plighted38 her.
On the morning after the coming of Mrs. West and Margaret, the secretary received a telegram from Saxe Temple, with the announcement that he and his friends would reach the lake that same afternoon. So, there now remained for the engineer less than one day of liberty in which to prosecute[54] the hunt for the treasure. For all his audacity39, Masters knew that he could not dare to carry on the search during the interval40 even, except with utmost caution, lest he arouse the suspicions of the widow or her daughter. He had passed most of the time since their coming in racking his brain with vain conjectures41 as to a possible clue, with the hope of making actual investigation42 at a more propitious43 time. Now, however, the telegram warned him that his period was at an end. The presence of the heir and his associates would effectually halt the engineer’s operations, and he realized the fact with bitterness of spirit. Thereafter, he must perforce do what he might skulkingly, ever cautious to avoid any least guess by anyone as to his purpose.
“But I’ll keep an eye out,” he confided44 to May, sullenly45. “If they find a hint anywhere, I’ll beat them to the goal, after all, you’ll see!”
She shrank at his words—something that was fast coming to be a habit with her.
“But Mr. Temple has the right to it, you know,” she expostulated, weakly.
“If he gets it!” Masters retorted with a[55] sneer46 that lifted slightly the luxurious47 mustache. “Only, I’ll see that he doesn’t. And, anyhow, I believe that he must be a pretty namby-pamby sort of chap. Fancy his bringing a band of helpers!”
“Mr. Abernethey particularly said that he might do so,” May reminded her lover.
“It seems a bit cowardly, just the same,” Masters maintained. “I’ll win out yet. I tell you, May, the fellow is handicapped: he fears failure.”
Saxe Temple arrived at the foot of the lake in mid-afternoon, and with him came Roy Morton, Billy Walker and David Thwing. Jake was awaiting the incoming train, his weather-beaten face aglow48 with anticipation49. The terms of the will having become known to him, he had developed what might be called a sporting interest in the issue. After years of monotony, excitement had jumped into his life. Therefore, he now advanced toward the four young men with suit-cases, who had descended50 from the Pullman, and bobbed his head energetically, his clean-shaven face wrinkled in a smile.
[56]“Mr. Temple and party, I ca’c’late?” he remarked inquiringly, looking from one to another.
“I am Mr. Temple,” said the heir, with an answering smile, as he stepped forward. He indicated his companions with a gesture. “These are my friends, come to help me on a bit of business I have in the neighborhood. You know about it?”
“Well, now, I’ve got quite some suspicionings, as it were,” he admitted, cautiously. “I hope you’ve left everybody well to hum?”
“Oh, I believe some in the city are complaining,” Saxe replied, with apparent seriousness; “but the general health is about the average.”
“Jest so!” Jake showed himself gratified. “Well, I’ll lead ye over to the motor-boat.”
“And we’re not there even yet!” he exclaimed, aghast.
“Oh, putty nigh,” Jake made assurance; “only a matter o’ three mile on the lake. We’ll git thar in a jiffy, in the Shirtso.”
“The what?” Saxe questioned.
“That’s the ornery name old man Abernethey[57] give a perfec’ly good boat,” Jake replied, complainingly. “He said as how it meant kind o’ lively.”
“The name must be Scherzo,” Saxe explained to the unmusical and bewildered Billy Walker; “the motor-boat, you know.”
But Billy was not appeased54. He kept at Jake’s side, as the party moved toward the landing, a furlong to the east from the station, and expressed his sentiments vehemently55, though not lucidly56, so far as the boatman was concerned.
“I’m given to understand,” he said severely57 to the puzzled Jake, “that your craft is not merely a plain, slow-going, safe-and-sane-Fourth launch, but, on the contrary, one of those cantankerous58, speed-maniacal contraptions that scoots in diabolical59 and parabolical curves, and squirts water all over the passengers. If so, I think I’ll walk—though I’m not fond of walking.”
“Nary squirt!” he declared, with emphasis. “Old man Abernethey, he was ailin’ jest like you be, and I learned to nuss the Shirtso keerful—mighty[58] keerful, yes, siree!”
The others, who had overheard, laughed impudently62 at this na?ve reference to the invalidism63 of their friend, whose physical inertia64 was equal to his mental energy.
At sight of the motor-boat, Roy Morton gave critical attention, scanning it with the supercilious65 manner of one versed66 in the mysteries, as, indeed, he was. Unbidden, he ensconced himself at the engines, in the seat with Jake. Soon, however, his coldly inquiring expression softened67 to radiant satisfaction, as he noted68 the smoothness of the start, the delicate adjustment from speed to speed, the rhythm of the perfectly69 tuned70 cylinders71. Of a sudden, as he turned to stare at the wizened72 face of the old man at his side, Roy’s eyes grew gently luminous73; a smile that was tender curved the lips above the belligerent74 chin. He knew that Jake loved his engines, knew perfectly that the old man fairly doted on them, cherished them even as a lover his mistress. Because of the sympathy that he, too, had with such things, Roy respected the boatman mightily,[59] began then and there to grow fond of the brown and shriveled face.
Billy Walker, for his part, after the first few moments of suspense75, became convinced that his anticipations76 of disaster were little likely to be realized in fact, and thereafter he gave himself over to delighted contemplation of the wooded shores, which on either side sloped gracefully77 to the water’s edge. David Thwing, too, gazed about on the newly budded beauty of the wilderness78 with a content made keen by over-long sojourning in the places builded by men. It was only Saxe Temple himself, alone in the stern chair, who looked around with eyes that just then recked naught79 of the scenic80 loveliness, despite the appeal in such vistas81 to one of his beauty-loving temperament82. But his whole interest, now, was centered on the quest that had brought him to this remote region. His roving glance was searching all the stretches of lake and forest wonderingly, hopefully, fearfully. Here was the place in which he must win or lose a fortune, according to the decree of the old man’s whimsy83.[60] The desire of his dearest dreams surged in him, the challenge of ambition, the ideals of art. This wealth, once achieved, would give freedom to work according to his loftiest aspirations84. A sudden fierce resolve burned in him. He would succeed, notwithstanding all difficulties in the path. Fate had given him opportunity: he would wrest85 from it victory as well. His face set itself sternly in lines of strength ... and, then, without any warning, the Scherzo swung around a densely86 wooded point of the shore that had seemed almost to bar the narrow channel, through which they had been passing thus far. Now, just before them lay broad reaches of placid water, a mile in width there at hand, much wider in the distance beyond. Low mountains loomed87 undulant afar, whence the descending88 forests ran to a shore that wound hither and yon in innumerable inlets, coves89 and bays, broken often by cliffs.
Yet, even now, Saxe Temple gave no heed90 to the loveliness of the spectacle. Instead, his whole care was fixed91 on an uncouth92, rambling93 structure that blotched a clearing visible along[61] the west shore, a mile away. It was the only dwelling94 to be seen anywhere, as far as eye could reach. The seeker had no doubt that now, at last, he had his first sight of Abernethey’s cottage—that spot in which his cunning must meet—and master—the cunning of a dead man, who had made grim jest with the gold he loved.
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1
curtly
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| adv.简短地 | |
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injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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persistence
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| n.坚持，持续，存留 | |
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inflexible
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| adj.不可改变的，不受影响的，不屈服的 | |
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suavity
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| n.温和；殷勤 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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susceptible
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| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
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discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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leavened
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| adj.加酵母的v.使（面团）发酵( leaven的过去式和过去分词 )；在…中掺入改变的因素 | |
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jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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overt
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| adj.公开的，明显的，公然的 | |
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offense
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| n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪 | |
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publicity
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| n.众所周知，闻名；宣传，广告 | |
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peremptory
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| adj.紧急的，专横的，断然的 | |
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plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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candor
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| n.坦白，率真 | |
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disarmed
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| v.裁军( disarm的过去式和过去分词 )；使息怒 | |
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dangling
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| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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stipulated
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| vt.& vi.规定；约定adj.[法]合同规定的 | |
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rebuking
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的现在分词 ) | |
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albeit
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| conj.即使；纵使；虽然 | |
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reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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dominant
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| adj.支配的，统治的；占优势的；显性的；n.主因，要素，主要的人(或物)；显性基因 | |
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placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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radically
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| ad.根本地，本质地 | |
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realization
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| n.实现；认识到，深刻了解 | |
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essentially
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| adv.本质上，实质上，基本上 | |
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speculations
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| n.投机买卖( speculation的名词复数 )；思考；投机活动；推断 | |
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pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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preposterous
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| adj.荒谬的，可笑的 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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plighted
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| vt.保证，约定（plight的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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conjectures
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| 推测，猜想( conjecture的名词复数 ) | |
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investigation
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| n.调查，调查研究 | |
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propitious
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| adj.吉利的；顺利的 | |
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confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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sullenly
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| 不高兴地，绷着脸，忧郁地 | |
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sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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aglow
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| adj.发亮的；发红的；adv.发亮地 | |
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anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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50
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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51
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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52
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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53
stertorously
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54
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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vehemently
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| adv. 热烈地 | |
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lucidly
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| adv.清透地，透明地 | |
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severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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cantankerous
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| adj.爱争吵的，脾气不好的 | |
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diabolical
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| adj.恶魔似的，凶暴的 | |
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intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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bombast
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| n.高调，夸大之辞 | |
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impudently
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invalidism
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| 病弱，病身； 伤残 | |
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inertia
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| adj.惰性，惯性，懒惰，迟钝 | |
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supercilious
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| adj.目中无人的，高傲的；adv.高傲地；n.高傲 | |
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versed
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| adj. 精通，熟练 | |
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softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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tuned
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| adj.调谐的，已调谐的v.调音( tune的过去式和过去分词 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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71
cylinders
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| n.圆筒( cylinder的名词复数 )；圆柱；汽缸；（尤指用作容器的）圆筒状物 | |
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wizened
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| adj.凋谢的；枯槁的 | |
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luminous
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| adj.发光的，发亮的；光明的；明白易懂的；有启发的 | |
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belligerent
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| adj.好战的，挑起战争的；n.交战国，交战者 | |
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suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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anticipations
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| 预期( anticipation的名词复数 )； 预测； （信托财产收益的）预支； 预期的事物 | |
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gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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scenic
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| adj.自然景色的，景色优美的 | |
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81
vistas
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| 长条形景色( vista的名词复数 )； 回顾； 展望； （未来可能发生的）一系列情景 | |
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82
temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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83
whimsy
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| n.古怪，异想天开 | |
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84
aspirations
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| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
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85
wrest
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| n.扭，拧，猛夺；v.夺取，猛扭，歪曲 | |
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86
densely
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| ad.密集地；浓厚地 | |
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87
loomed
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| v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的过去式和过去分词 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近 | |
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88
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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89
coves
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| n.小海湾( cove的名词复数 )；家伙 | |
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90
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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91
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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92
uncouth
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| adj.无教养的，粗鲁的 | |
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93
rambling
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| adj.[建]凌乱的，杂乱的 | |
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94
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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