It was a lonely trail but Hinter had ridden it often. He knew that in the shadows lurked7 wild things which resented his intrusion of their retreat; that later, when the night grew old, timber-wolves would voice their protest, and fierce-eyed lynx, tufted ears flat and fangs8 bared in hatred9, would look down upon him from overhanging branch of tree. But behind him stalked protection in the form of two great dogs against which no wolf or cat had ever waged successful warfare10. Besides, there was the heavy "40-40" revolver in his belt.
"Two Great Danes and a 'bull-dog' should be protection enough for any man," he would laugh to Landon, the light-house keeper, when the latter shook his head doubtfully over Hinter's foolhardiness in riding this lone6 night trail. And Landon, whose asthma11 made talking difficult for him, would say no more, realizing that it was useless.
The light-house keeper, who lived with his daughter in a comfortable house on the extreme end of the Point, had always been glad to welcome Hinter to his isolated12 loneliness. With an invalid's self-centeredness, he believed that it was to relieve the monotony of his existence that this man paid him periodical visits. He did not dream that his daughter, Erie, named after the lake, whose blue lay deep in her eyes and whose moods were of herself a part, was the real attraction which drew Hinter to their home. Indeed it would have taken a much more astute13 observer than the man who had been keeper of the light for more than thirty years to have observed this. Never by look, word or sign had Hinter shown that in this slender, golden-haired girl, whose laughter was the sweetest note in the world—this girl who could trim a sail in biting gale14 and swim the wide, deep channel when tempest angered it to clutching under-currents—was more to him than just a glad, natural product of her world. Always his manner towards her had been one of kindly15 respect. In time she grew ashamed of the distrust she had on first acquaintance intuitively felt for him. He was good to her father and considerate of her. He talked interestingly of the big outside world and described the cities he had visited. Her father liked him and always looked forward to his visits, and with a sick man's petulance16 grumbled17 if Hinter failed to come on his regular nights.
"He's a fine man, Erie," he would say to is daughter, "and well off, too. I'd like to see you married to a man like Hinter before I go. Ever since your Ma died, I've been worried about leavin' you behind."
"But I am going to marry Frank, Daddy," the girl would say softly.
"Hey? Oh, all right, all right. Stanhope's a fine youngster, but poor, poor."
"He'll never find the Scroggie will," he would speak again. "He'll always be poor."
"But, Daddy," the girl would laugh, "we love each other. We are happy and real happiness is worth more than money, isn't it, dear?"
"Aye," he would answer. "Your mother and I were happy in that way. But she was taken away and all I had in her place was heart loneliness—but for you." Then she would kiss him softly and, stealing about her household tasks, sing him to fitful sleep as she moved quietly about the room.
Tonight as Hinter rode through the pine-scented gloom the light-house keeper sat in his big chair beside the window that looked upon the lake. Spent from a trying fit of coughing, his nerves crying for the rest which was denied him, the sick man had gazed across to where the shuttle of sunset was weaving its fabric19 of changing colors upon sky and water. But he had not seen those glad lights; had not heard the cries of the haven-seeking gulls20 or the soft plaintive21 notes of the night birds from the Point forest. The lights had flashed and departed unseen, the wild calls had been voiced and sunk to silence unheard, because a tenderer light, which had belonged to this, his own hour, had vanished; a sweeter song than even night birds could voice had been stilled—the light in his Erie's eyes and the low notes from her glad heart.
He knew why. She had told him. God, Destiny, Fate, had come between her and the man she loved. The man had lost more than life in playing the part of a man. He was blind! Behind him were only memories that could not be buried. Before him only darkness, bleakness22, despair. And he had done an heroic thing in giving her up. Helpless, powerless to support her, what else was there for him to do? So, in his love for her, he had dug a grave and in it buried Hope and all that God in His wise ordinance23 had allowed him to live and feel. And they had kissed and parted, kneeling beside this grave, cold lips to cold lips, broken heart to broken heart. It was the kiss on the cross which each must carry.
So much had she told him, and the light had gone from her eyes, the song from her lips.
The sick man sank lower in his chair, his face working, his heart crying the same pleading cry as cried the heart of Rachel of old for her children—a cry understood only by the heart in which it was born—and God.
And so Hinter found him there before the window in the gloom, his thin hands clutching the arms of his chair, his white face sunk on his breast. "Landon, old friend, asleep?" he asked softly. No answer. Hinter struck a match and lit the lamp on the table. Then he touched the sleeper's arm; still he did not stir.
Alarmed, Hinter drew the big chair about so that the light would fall on the sick man's face. Slowly Landon opened his eyes. He struggled erect24 and attempted to speak, but a fit of coughing assailed25 him and robbed him of breath.
From his pocket Hinter drew a flat bottle and poured a portion of its contents into a glass. Gently raising the emaciated26 form to a more comfortable position, he held the glass to the blue lips. Under the stimulant27 of the brandy Landon rallied.
"Thanks," he whispered. Then, hospitality his first thought, he motioned towards a chair. Hinter sat down.
"Worse than usual tonight, isn't it?" he asked in kindly tones.
"Yes, asthma's that way—eases off—then comes back—hits you sudden." He glanced at the bottle. Hinter, understanding, poured him out another portion.
Hinter nodded. "Not a bad medicine if rightly used," he said. He filled his pipe, lit it, and passed the tobacco-pouch to Landon. He was watching the door leading to the inner room.
Hinter waited. At length Landon roused from his musings. "My heart's heavy for her," he said, "and heavy for the young man who loves her. You've heard, of course. News of the like spreads quickly."
"Yes, I've heard." Hinter rose abruptly32 and strode to the window overlooking the bay. A full moon was lifting above the pines. In its silvery track a tiny sail was beating harborward.
After a time he turned and walked back slowly to where the sick man sat. "Mr. Landon," he said, gravely, "I love your daughter. With your permission I would make her my wife. Wait," as the older man attempted to speak. "Hear what I have to say. I have endeavored to be honorable. Never by word or look have I given her to understand what my feelings are toward her. For Stanhope, the man who was brave and strong enough to give her up, I have always had the deepest respect; and now, knowing the price he has paid, I honor him. He was far more worthy34 of your daughter than I am. But now, as all is over between them, I would do my best to make her happy."
"That I know well," spoke35 the father eagerly. "Ever since my clutch on life has been weakenin' I've worried at the thought that perhaps I may leave her unprovided for. You have lifted the load, my friend. I will speak to Erie and place your proposal of marriage before her. She's a good girl; she'll be guided by her father in the matter."
Hinter gravely thanked him. "I would advise that you say nothing for a time," he said. "She is high-spirited, loyal to the core. She is suffering. Time will assist us; we will wait. I shall visit you oftener than heretofore, but until I think the moment expedient36 say nothing to her."
A light step sounded on the gravel33; the door opened and Erie entered. She was dressed in white. The damp bay-breeze had kissed the golden hair to shimmering life but there were shadows beneath the violet eyes, a dreary37 pathos38 about the unsmiling mouth.
She placed a cold little hand in the eager one which Hinter extended to her and her fleeting39 glance left him to fasten on the sick man in the arm chair.
"Daddy," she cried, running over to kneel beside him. "It was selfish of me to leave you alone."
"I've had our good friend Hinter for company, girlie," said her father, stroking the damp curls.
Erie flashed their visitor a look of gratitude40. "It is good of you to come to him," she said. "He always looks forward to your visits, and grows quite fretful if you are late." She smiled and patted the father's hand. "The east wind's bad for the cough but tomorrow you'll be as good as ever, won't you, Daddy?"
Landon did not reply. He simply pressed the girl's cold hand. Hinter caught the look of suffering in her eyes as she arose and passed into the outer room. When she returned she carried a heavy, wicker-bound can.
"My lamps need filling," she explained. "No, please don't come," as Hinter made to take the can from her, "I would rather you stayed with him."
He bowed, and his eyes followed her from the room. "What a wonderful creature she is," he thought.
"Hinton," Landon's weak voice broke in on his thoughts, "you haven't given me the neighborhood news. Have they found out who robbed the store yet?"
"No," answered Hinter, resuming his seat, "I believe not. Some were disposed to think that the shoremen had a hand in the robbery but I don't think so."
"Why don't you? The Sand-sharkers aren't above doin' it, are they?"
"Well, I don't say that they are. That job was not done by any amateurs, though. The men who broke into Spencer's store were old hands at the game. I was at the store and had a look over it. I've seen the work of professional burglars before. These fellows made a clean sweep and left not a single clew. Still, I made my own deductions41. I can't tell you more until I have proved my suspicions correct. Hush42!" he warned, "she's coming. I must be hitting the trail for the Settlement."
As Hinter picked up his hat Erie entered and the light words he was about to speak died on his lips at sight of the girl's stricken face. "You are tired," he said, in deep concern. "The work of tending the lights alone is too much for you. Why not let me send someone from the Settlement to help you, at least until your father is strong enough to take up his end of the work again?"
She shook her head. "The work is not hard and I love it," she answered. "After the lights are lit I have nothing to do. Daddy's asthma will not let him sleep, so he sits in his big chair all night and keeps his eye on the light while I sleep. Then when the sun sucks up the mists from bay and lake he is able to get his sleep. So, you see," smiling bravely, "we get along splendidly."
Hinter held out his hand. "Well, good night, Miss Erie," he said. "I'll be up again soon, with some books for you."
"But you mustn't go without having a cup of tea and a bite to eat," she protested. "Please sit down and I'll have it ready in a minute."
He shook his head. "Not tonight, thanks. You're tired, and I've a long ride before me. Next time I come we'll have tea," he promised as he turned to shake hands with Landon.
He laughed, "Sphinx and Dexter, you mean? Yes, they are out in the stable with my horse. By the way, they didn't see you last time we were here, and they seemed to feel pretty badly about it. Would you mind stepping outside and speaking a word to them?" he asked. "They are very fond of you, you know."
She shivered. "And I'm very fond of them, only," she added as she followed him to the door, "I never know whether they want to eat me up or caress44 me."
"You won't forget to come back again soon, Hinter?" called the sick man. "It does me a sight of good to see you and get the news from the Settlement."
"I'll return soon," Hinter promised. "Don't worry about anything. A speedy recovery—and good night."
A full moon was veiling lake and bay in sheen of silvery whiteness as Hinter and Erie went out into the August night. Eastward45 the long pine covered Point swept a dark line against the grey, shadowy rush-lands. Somewhere among the hidden ponds mallards and grey ducks were quacking46 contentedly47 as they fed. A swamp coon raised his almost human cry as he crept the sandy shores in search of the frogs whose tanging notes boomed from the boglands.
Man and girl paused for a little time on the strip of white sand to drink in the beauty of the night and the sounds of its wild life. Then Hinter stepped to the stable and opened the door. "Come boys," he commanded and the two great dogs came bounding out to leap upon him with whines48 of welcome, then on to where the girl stood, waiting, half eagerly, half frightened.
"Gently now," Hinter cautioned, and they threw themselves at her feet, massive heads on outstretched paws, deep-set eyes raised to her face. She bent49 and placed a hand on the head of each.
Hinter knit his brows. "I'm afraid they are," he answered. "But my friends are their friends, you see. There is only one other person besides yourself and myself who can do what you are doing now, though."
She looked up quickly. "And may I ask who that is?"
"Certainly; it's young Billy Wilson. You know—the lad who is always roaming the woods."
"Yes," she said softly. "I know him perhaps better than most folks do. I am not surprised that he can handle these dogs, Mr. Hinter."
He glanced at her closely, struck by the odd note in her voice. "He seems a manly51 little chap," he said. "I must get to know him better."
"You may succeed," she replied, "but I'm afraid you would have to know Billy a long time to know him well."
She bent and gave the dogs a farewell pat; then moved like the spirit of the moonlight to the house. "Good night," she called softly from the doorway52.
"Good night," he echoed.
Five minutes later he was riding the two-mile strip of sand between the light-house and the pines, the Great Danes close behind. When he reached the timber he reined53 in to look back over his shoulder at the tall white tower with its ever-sweeping, glowing eye. Then, with a sigh, he rode forward and passed into the darkness of the trees. Half way down the trail he dismounted and, after hitching54 his horse to a tree and commanding his dogs to stand guard, plunged55 into the thickly-growing pines on the right of the path.
Half an hour later he came out upon the lake shore. Quickly he scraped together a pile of drift wood. He applied56 a match to it and as fire leaped up stood frowning across the water. Then, as an answering light flashed from some distance out in the lake, he sighed in relief and seating himself on the sand lit his pipe. After a time the sound of oars57 fell on his ears. A boat scraped on the beach. Two men stepped from it and approached the fire.
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1
dwarf
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| n.矮子，侏儒，矮小的动植物；vt.使…矮小 | |
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cedars
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| 雪松，西洋杉( cedar的名词复数 ) | |
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stunted
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| adj.矮小的；发育迟缓的 | |
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marshes
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| n.沼泽，湿地( marsh的名词复数 ) | |
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shimmering
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| v.闪闪发光，发微光( shimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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lone
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| adj.孤寂的，单独的；唯一的 | |
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lurked
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| vi.潜伏，埋伏（lurk的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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8
fangs
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| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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asthma
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| n.气喘病，哮喘病 | |
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isolated
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| adj.与世隔绝的 | |
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astute
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| adj.机敏的，精明的 | |
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gale
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| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
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15
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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16
petulance
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| n.发脾气，生气，易怒，暴躁，性急 | |
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17
grumbled
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| 抱怨( grumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 发牢骚； 咕哝； 发哼声 | |
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18
lapse
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| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
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19
fabric
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| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
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gulls
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| n.鸥( gull的名词复数 )v.欺骗某人( gull的第三人称单数 ) | |
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21
plaintive
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| adj.可怜的，伤心的 | |
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bleakness
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| adj. 萧瑟的, 严寒的, 阴郁的 | |
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23
ordinance
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| n.法令；条令；条例 | |
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24
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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25
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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26
emaciated
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| adj.衰弱的，消瘦的 | |
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stimulant
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| n.刺激物，兴奋剂 | |
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gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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29
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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casually
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| adv.漠不关心地，无动于衷地，不负责任地 | |
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lapsed
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| adj.流失的，堕落的v.退步( lapse的过去式和过去分词 )；陷入；倒退；丧失 | |
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32
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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gravel
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| n.砂跞；砂砾层；结石 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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35
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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36
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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dreary
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| adj.令人沮丧的，沉闷的，单调乏味的 | |
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38
pathos
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| n.哀婉，悲怆 | |
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fleeting
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| adj.短暂的，飞逝的 | |
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40
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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41
deductions
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| 扣除( deduction的名词复数 )； 结论； 扣除的量； 推演 | |
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42
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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43
guardians
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| 监护人( guardian的名词复数 )； 保护者，维护者 | |
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44
caress
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| vt./n.爱抚，抚摸 | |
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45
eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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46
quacking
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| v.（鸭子）发出嘎嘎声( quack的现在分词 ) | |
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47
contentedly
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| adv.心满意足地 | |
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48
whines
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| n.悲嗥声( whine的名词复数 )；哀鸣者v.哀号( whine的第三人称单数 )；哀诉，诉怨 | |
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49
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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50
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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51
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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52
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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53
reined
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的过去式和过去分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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54
hitching
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| 搭乘； （免费）搭乘他人之车( hitch的现在分词 )； 搭便车； 攀上； 跃上 | |
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55
plunged
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| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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56
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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57
oars
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| n.桨，橹( oar的名词复数 )；划手v.划（行）( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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