The morrow dawned after an all but sleepless1 night, harrowed by the most torturesome dreams in regard toRoberta, men who arrived to arrest him, and the hike, until at last he arose, his nerves and eyes aching. Then,venturing to come downstairs about an hour later, he saw Frederick, the chauffeur2 who had driven him out theday before, getting one of the cars out. And thereupon instructing him to bring all the morning Albany and Uticapapers. And about nine-thirty, when he returned, proceeding3 to his room with them, where, locking the door andspreading one of the papers before him, he was immediately confronted by the startling headlines:
"MYSTERY IN GIRL'S DEATH BODY FOUND YESTERDAY IN ADIRONDACK LAKE MANCOMPANION MISSING"And at once strained and white he sat down in one of the chairs near the window and began to read:
"Bridgeburg, N. Y., July 9.--The body of an unknown girl, presumably the wife of a young man who registeredfirst on Wednesday morning at Grass Lake Inn, Grass Lake, N. Y., as Carl Graham and wife, and later, Thursdaynoon, at Big Bittern Lodge5, Big Bittern, as Clifford Golden and wife was taken from the waters of the south endof Big Bittern just before noon yesterday. Because of an upturned boat, as well as a man's straw hat foundfloating on the water in Moon Cove6, dredging with hooks and lines had been going on all morning. . . . Up toseven o'clock last evening, however, the body of the man had not as yet been recovered, and according toCoroner Heit of Bridgeburg, who by two o'clock had been summoned to the scene of the tragedy, it was notconsidered at all likely that it would be. Several marks and abrasions7 found upon the dead girl's head and face, aswell as the testimony8 of three men who arrived on the scene while the search was still on and testified to havingmet a young man who answered to the description of Golden or Graham in the woods to the south of the lake thenight before, caused many to conclude that a murder had been committed and that the murderer was seeking tomake his escape.
"The girl's brown leather traveling bag, as well as a hat and coat belonging to her, were left, the bag in the ticketagent's room at Gun Lodge, which is the railway station five miles east of Big Bittern, and the hat and coat in thecoatroom of the inn at the Lake, whereas Graham or Golden is said to have taken his suitcase with him into theboat.
"According to the innkeeper at Big Bittern, the couple on their arrival registered as Clifford Golden and wife ofAlbany. They remained in the inn but a few minutes before Golden walked to the boat-landing just outside andprocured a light boat, in which, accompanied by the girl and his suitcase, he went out on the lake. They did notreturn, and yesterday morning the boat was found bottomside up in what is known as Moon Cove, a small bay orextension at the extreme south end of the lake, from the waters of which soon afterwards the body of the youngwoman was recovered. As there are no known rocks in the lake at that point, and the wounds upon the face arequite marked, suspicion was at once aroused that the girl might have been unfairly dealt with. This, together withthe testimony of the three men, as well as the fact that a man's straw hat found nearby contained no lining9 orother method of identification, has caused Coroner Heit to assert that unless the body of the man is found he willassume that murder has been committed.
"Golden or Graham, as described by innkeepers and guests and guides at Grass Lake and Big Bittern, is not morethan twenty-four or twenty-five years of age, slender, dark, and not more than five feet eight or nine inches tall.
At the time he arrived he was dressed in a light gray suit, tan shoes, and a straw hat and carried a brown suitcaseto which was attached an umbrella and some other object, presumably a cane10.
"The hat and coat left by the girl at the inn were of dark and light tan respectively, her dress a dark blue.
"Notice has been sent to all railroad stations in this vicinity to be on the lookout11 for Golden, or Graham, in orderthat he may be arrested if he is alive and attempts to make his escape. The body of the drowned girl is to beremoved to Bridgeburg, the county seat of this county, where an inquest is later to be held."In frozen silence he sat and pondered. For would not the news of such a dastardly murder as this now appeared to be, together with the fact that it had been committed in this immediate4 vicinity, stir up such marked excitementas to cause many--perhaps all--to scan all goers and comers everywhere in the hope of detecting the one who hadthus been described? Might it not be better, therefore, since they were so close on his trail already, if he were togo to the authorities at Big Bittern or here and make a clean breast of all that had thus far occurred, the originalplot and the reasons therefor, only explaining how at the very last he had not really killed her--had experienced achange of heart and had not been able to do as he had planned? But, no. That would be to give away to Sondraand the Griffiths all that had been going on between him and Roberta--and before it was absolutely certain thatall was ended for him here. And besides, would they believe him now, after that flight--those reported wounds?
Did it not really look as though he had killed her, regardless of how he might try to explain that he had not?
It was not unlikely also that at least some among all those who had seen him would be able to detect him fromthis printed description, even though he no longer wore the gray suit or the straw hat. God! They were lookingfor him, or rather for that Clifford Golden or Carl Graham who looked like him, in order to charge him withmurder! But if he looked exactly like Clifford Golden and those three men came! He began to shiver. And worseyet. A new and horrible thought, this--and at this instant, and for the first time flashing upon his mind--thesimilarity of those initials to his own! He had never thought of them in an unfavorable light before, but now hecould see that they were detrimental12. Why was it that he had never thought of that before? Why was it? Why wasit? Oh, God!
Just then a telephone call for him came from Sondra. It was announced as from her. Yet even so he wascompelled to brace13 himself in order to make even an acceptable showing, vocally14. How was her sick boy thismorning? Any better? How dreadful that illness last night to come on him so suddenly. Was he really all rightnow? And was he going to be able to go on the trip all right? That was fine. She had been so frightened and soworried all night for fear he might be too sick to want to go. But he was going, so everything was all right againnow. Darling! Precious baby! Did her baby boy love her so? She was just sure that the trip would do him a lot ofgood. But until noon, now, dear, she would be using all her spare time getting ready, but at one, or one-thirty,everybody would be at the Casino pier16. And then--oh, my! Ho! for a great old time up there! He was to comewith Bertine and Grant and whoever else was coming from there, and then at the pier he could change to Stuart'slaunch. They were certain to have so much fun--just loads of it--but just now she would have to go. Bye-bye!
And once more like a bright-colored bird she was gone.
But three hours to wait before he could leave here and so avoid the danger of encountering any one who might belooking for Clifford Golden or Carl Graham! Still until then he could walk up the lake shore into the woods,couldn't he?--or sit below, his bag all packed, and watch who, if anybody, might approach along the long-winding path from the road or by launch across the lake. And if he saw any one who looked at all suspicious, hecould take flight, could he not? And afterwards doing just that--first walking away into the woods and lookingback, as might a hunted animal. Then later returning and sitting or walking, but always watching, watching.
(What man was that? What boat was that? Where was it going? Was it coming here, by any chance? Who was init? Supposing an officer--a detective? Then flight, of course--if there was still time.)But, at last one o'clock, and the Cranston launch, with Bertine and Harley and Wynette, as well as Grant andhimself, setting out for the pier. And once there, joined by all who were going, together with the servants. And atLittle Fish Inlet, thirty miles north, on the eastern shore, they were met by the cars of the Baggotts, Harriets and others, from where, with their goods and canoes, they were portaged forty miles east to Bear Lake, as lonely andas arresting almost as Big Bittern itself.
The joy of this trip if only that other thing were not hanging over him now. This exquisite18 pleasure of being nearSondra, her eyes constantly telling him how much she cared. And her spirit's flame so high because of hispresence here with her now. And yet Roberta's body up! That search for Clifford Golden--Carl Graham. Hisidentical description wired as well as published everywhere. These others--all of them in their boats and cars hadprobably read it. And yet, because of their familiarity with him and his connections--Sondra, the Griffiths--notsuspecting him--not thinking of the description even. But if they should! If they should guess! The horror! Theflight! The exposure! The police! The first to desert him--these--all save Sondra perhaps. And even she, too. Yes,she, of course. The horror in her eyes.
And then that evening at sundown, on the west shore of this same lake, on an open sward that was as smooth asany well-kept lawn, the entire company settled, in five different colored tents ranged about a fire like an Indianvillage, with cooks' and servants' tents in the distance. And the half dozen canoes beached like bright fish alongthe grassy19 shore of the lake. And then supper around an open fire. And Baggott and Harriet and Stuart and Grant,after furnishing music for the others to dance by, organizing by the flare20 of a large gasoline lamp, a poker21 game.
And the others joining in singing ribald camping and college songs, no one of which Clyde knew, yet in whichhe tried to join. And shouts of laughter. And bets as to who would be the first to catch the first fish, to shoot thefirst squirrel or partridge, to win the first race. And lastly, solemn plans for moving the camp at least ten milesfarther east, after breakfast, on the morrow where was an ideal beach, and where they would be within five milesof the Metissic Inn, and where they could dine and dance to their heart's content.
And then the silence and the beauty of this camp at night, after all had presumably gone to bed. The stars! Themystic, shadowy water, faintly rippling22 in a light wind, the mystic, shadowy pines conferring in the light breezes,the cries of night birds and owls-- too disturbing to Clyde to be listened to with anything but inward distress23. Thewonder and glory of all this--if only--if only he were not stalked after, as by a skeleton, by the horror not only ofwhat he had done in connection with Roberta but the danger and the power of the law that deemed him amurderer! And then Sondra, the others having gone to bed--or off into the shadow,--stealing out for a few lastwords and kisses under the stars. And he whispering to her how happy he was, how grateful for all her love andfaith, and at one point almost tempted24 to ask whether in case it should ever appear that he was not as good as shenow seemed to imagine him, she would still love him a little--not hate him entirely--yet refraining for fear thatafter that exhibition of terror the preceding night she might connect his present mood with that, or somehow withthe horrible, destructive secret that was gnawing25 at his vitals.
And then afterwards, lying in the four-cot tent with Baggott, Harriet and Grant, listening nervously26 for hours forany prowling steps that might mean--that might mean--God--what might they not mean even up here?--the law!
arrest! exposure! Death. And waking twice in the night out of dread15, destructive dreams,--and feeling as though-andfearing--that he had cried out in his sleep.
But then the glory of the morning once more--with its rotund and yellow sun rising over the waters of the lake-andin a cove across the lake wild ducks paddling about. And after a time Grant and Stuart and Harley, half-cladand with guns and a great show of fowling27 skill, foolishly setting forth28 in canoes in the hope of bagging some ofthe game with long distance shots, yet getting nothing, to the merriment of all the others. And the boys and girls, stealing out in bright-colored bathing suits and silken beach robes to the water, there to plunge29 gayly in and shoutand clatter30 concerning the joy of it all. And breakfast at nine, with afterwards the gayety and beauty of the brightflotilla of canoes making eastward31 along the southern lake shore, banjos, guitars and mandolins strumming andvoices raised in song, jest, laughter.
"Whatever matter wissum sweet to-day? Face all dark. Cantum be happy out here wis Sondra and all these niceygood-baddies?"And Clyde as instantly realizing that he must pretend to be gay and care-free.
And then Harley Baggott and Grant and Harriet at about noon announcing that there--just ahead--was the finebeach they had in mind--the Ramshorn, a spit of Land commanding from its highest point all the length andbreadth of the lake. And with room on the shore below for all the tents and paraphernalia32 of the company. Andthen, throughout this warm, pleasant Sunday afternoon, the usual program of activities--lunching, swimming,dancing, walking, card-playing, music. And Clyde and Sondra, like other couples, stealing off--Sondra with amandolin--to a concealed33 rock far to the east of the camp, where in the shade of the pines they could lie--Sondrain Clyde's arms--and talk of the things they were certain to do later, even though, as she now announced, Mrs.
Finchley was declaring that after this particular visit of Clyde's her daughter was to have nothing more to do withhim in any such intimate social way as this particular trip gave opportunity for. He was too poor--too nondescripta relative of the Griffiths. (It was so that Sondra, yet in a more veiled way, described her mother as talking.) Yetadding: "How ridiculous, sweetum! But don't you mind. I just laughed and agreed because I don't want toaggravate her just now. But I did ask her how I was to avoid meeting you here or anywhere now since you are aspopular as you are. My sweetum is so good-looking. Everybody thinks so--even the boys."At this very hour, on the veranda34 of the Silver Inn at Sharon, District Attorney Mason, with his assistant BurtonBurleigh, Coroner Heit and Earl Newcomb, and the redoubtable35 Sheriff Slack, paunched and scowling36, yet genialenough in ordinary social intercourse37, together with three assistants--first, second and third deputies Kraut, Sisseland Swenk--conferring as to the best and most certain methods of immediate capture.
"He has gone to Bear Lake. We must follow and trap him before news reaches him in any way that he iswanted."And so they set forth--this group--Burleigh and Earl Newcomb about Sharon itself in order to gather suchadditional data as they might in connection with Clyde's arrival and departure from here for the Cranstons' onFriday, talking with and subpoenaing38 any such individuals as might throw any light on his movements; Heit toThree Mile Bay on much the same errand, to see Captain Mooney of the "Cygnus" and the three men and Mason,together with the sheriff and his deputies, in a high-powered launch chartered for the occasion, to follow the nowknown course of the only recently-departed camping party, first to Little Fish Inlet and from there, in case thetrail proved sound, to Bear Lake.
And on Monday morning, while those at Ramshorn Point after breaking camp were already moving on towardShelter Beach fourteen miles east, Mason, together with Slack and his three deputies, arriving at the camp deserted39 the morning before. And there, the sheriff and Mason taking counsel with each other and then dividingtheir forces so that in canoes commandeered from lone17 residents of the region they now proceeded, Mason andFirst Deputy Kraut along the south shore, Slack and Second Deputy Sissel along the north shore, while youngSwenk, blazing with a desire to arrest and handcuff some one, yet posing for the occasion as a lone young hunteror woodsman, paddled directly east along the center of the lake in search of any informing smoke or fires or tentsor individuals idling along the shores. And with great dreams of being the one to capture the murderer--I arrestyou, Clyde Griffiths, in the name of the law!--yet because of instructions from Mason, as well as Slack, grievingthat instead, should he detect any signs, being the furthermost outpost, he must, in order to avoid frightening theprey or losing him, turn on his track and from some point not so likely to be heard by the criminal fire one singleshot from his eight-chambered repeater, whereupon whichever party chanced to be nearest would fire one shot inreply and then proceed as swiftly as possible in his direction. But under no circumstances was he to attempt totake the criminal alone, unless noting the departure by boat or on foot of a suspicious person who answered thedescription of Clyde.
At this very hour, Clyde, with Harley Baggott, Bertine and Sondra, in one of the canoes, paddling eastward alongwith the remainder of the flotilla, looking back and wondering. Supposing by now, some officer or some one hadarrived at Sharon and was following him up here? For would it be hard to find where he had gone, supposingonly that they knew his name?
But they did not know his name. Had not the items in the papers proved that? Why worry so always, especiallyon this utterly41 wonderful trip and when at last he and Sondra could be together again? And besides, was it notnow possible for him to wander off by himself into these thinly populated woods along the shore to the eastward,toward that inn at the other end of the lake--and not return? Had he not inquired most casually42 on Saturdayafternoon of Harley Baggott as well as others as to whether there was a road south or east from the east end ofthe lake? And had he not learned there was?
And at last, at noon, Monday, reaching Shelter Beach, the third spot of beauty contemplated43 by the planners ofthis outing, where he helped to pitch the tents again while the girls played about.
Yet at the same hour, at the Ramshorn site, because of the ashes from their fires left upon the shore, youngSwenk, most eagerly and enthusiastically, like some seeking animal, approaching and examining the same andthen going on--swiftly. And but one hour later, Mason and Kraut, reconnoitering the same spot, but withouteither devoting more than a cursory44 glance, since it was obvious that the prey40 had moved farther on.
But then greater speed in paddling on the part of Swenk, until by four he arrived at Shelter Beach. And then,descrying as many as a half dozen people in the water in the distance, at once turning and retreating in thedirection of the others in order to give the necessary signal. And some two miles back firing one shot, which inits turn was responded to by Mason as well as Sheriff Slack. Both parties had heard and were now paddlingswiftly east.
At once Clyde in the water--near Sondra--hearing this was made to wonder. The ominous45 quality of that firstshot! Followed by those two additional signals--farther away, yet seemingly in answer to the first! And then theominous silence thereafter! What was that? And with Harley Baggott jesting: "Listen to the guys shooting gameout of season, will you. It's against the law, isn't it?""Hey, you!" Grant Cranston shouted. "Those are my ducks down there! Let 'em alone.""If they can't shoot any better than you, Granty, they will let 'em alone." This from Bertine.
Clyde, while attempting to smile, looked in the direction of the sound and listened like a hunted animal.
What was it now that urged him to get out of the water and dress and run? Hurry! Hurry! To your tent! To thewoods, quick! Until at last heeding46 this, and while most of the others were not looking, hurrying to his tent,changing to the one plain blue business suit and cap that he still possessed47, then slipping into the woods back ofthe camp--out of sight and hearing of all present until he should be able to think and determine, but keepingalways safely inland out of the direct view of the water, for fear--for fear--who could tell exactly what thoseshots meant?
Yet Sondra! And her words of Saturday and yesterday and to-day. Could he leave her in this way, without beingsure? Could he? Her kisses! Her dear assurances as to the future! What would she think now--and those others-incase he did not go back? The comment which was certain to be made in the Sharon and other papers in regardto this disappearance48 of his, and which was certain to identify him with this same Clifford Golden or CarlGraham! was it not?
Then reflecting also--the possible groundlessness of these fears, based on nothing more, maybe, than the chanceshots of passing hunters on the lake or in these woods. And then pausing and debating with himself whether togo on or not. Yet, oh, the comfort of these tall, pillared trees--the softness and silence of these brown, carpetingneedles on the ground--the clumps49 and thickets50 of underbrush under which one could lie and hide until nightshould fall again. And then on--and on. But turning, none-the-less, with the intention of returning to the camp tosee whether any one had come there. (He might say he had taken a walk and got lost in the woods.)But about this time, behind a protecting group of trees at least two miles west of the camp, a meeting andconference between Mason, Slack and all the others. And later, as a result of this and even as Clyde lingered andreturned somewhat nearer the camp, Mason, Swenk paddling the canoe, arriving and inquiring of those who werenow on shore if a Mr. Clyde Griffiths was present and might he see him. And Harley Baggott, being nearest,replying: "Why, yes, sure. He's around here somewhere." And Stuart Finchley calling: "Eh-o, Griffiths!" But noreply.
Yet Clyde, not near enough to hear any of this, even now returning toward the camp, very slowly and cautiously.
And Mason concluding that possibly he was about somewhere and unaware51 of anything, of course, deciding towait a few minutes anyhow--while advising Swenk to fall back into the woods and if by any chance encounteringSlack or any other to advise him that one man be sent east along the bank and another west, while he--Swenk-proceededin a boat eastward as before to the inn at the extreme end, in order that from there word might begiven to all as to the presence of the suspect in this region.
In the meanwhile Clyde by now only three-quarters of a mile east, and still whispered to by something whichsaid: Run, run, do not linger! yet lingering, and thinking SONDRA, this wonderful life! Should he go so? Andsaying to himself that he might be making a greater mistake by going than by staying. For supposing those shots were nothing--hunters, mere52 game shots meaning nothing in his case--and yet costing him all? And yet turning atlast and saying to himself that perhaps it might be best not to return at present, anyhow at least not until verylate--after dark--to see if those strange shots had meant anything.
But then again pausing silently and dubiously53, the while vesper sparrows and woodfinches sang. And peering.
And then all at once, not more than fifty feet distant, out of the long, tall aisles55 of the trees before him, awhiskered, woodsman-like type of man approaching swiftly, yet silently--a tall, bony, sharp-eyed man in abrown felt hat and a brownish-gray baggy56 and faded suit that hung loosely over his spare body. And as suddenlycalling as he came--which caused Clyde's blood to run cold with fear and rivet57 him to the spot.
"Hold on a moment, mister! Don't move. Your name don't happen to be Clyde Griffiths, does it?" And Clyde,noting the sharp inquisitorial look in the eye of this stranger, as well as the fact that he had already drawn58 arevolver and was lifting it up, now pausing, the definiteness and authority of the man chilling him to the marrow59.
Was he really being captured? Had the officers of the law truly come for him? God! No hope of flight now! Whyhad he not gone on? Oh, why not? And at once he was weak and shaking, yet, not wishing to incriminate himselfabout to reply, "No!" Yet because of a more sensible thought, replying, "Why, yes, that's my name.""You're with this camping party just west of here, aren't you?""Yes, sir, I am.""All right, Mr. Griffiths. Excuse the revolver. I'm told to get you, whatever happens, that's all. My name is Kraut.
Nicholas Kraut. I'm a deputy sheriff of Cataraqui County. And I have a warrant here for your arrest. I supposeyou know what for, and that you're prepared to come with me peaceably." And at this Mr. Kraut gripped theheavy, dangerous-looking weapon more firmly even, and gazed at Clyde in a firm, conclusive60 way.
"Why--why--no--I don't," replied Clyde, weakly and heavily, his face white and thin. "But if you have a warrantfor my arrest, I'll go with you, certainly. But what--what--I don't understand"--his voice began to trembleslightly as he said this--"is--is why you want to arrest me?""You don't, eh? You weren't up at either Big Bittern or Grass Lake by any chance on last Wednesday orThursday, eh?""Why, no, sir, I wasn't," replied Clyde, falsely.
"And you don't happen to know anything about the drowning of a girl up there that you were supposed to bewith--Roberta Alden, of Biltz, New York, I believe.""Why, my God, no!" replied Clyde, nervously and staccatically, the true name of Roberta and her address beingused by this total stranger, and so soon, staggering him. Then they knew! They had obtained a clue. His truename and hers! God! "Am I supposed to have committed a murder?" he added, his voice faint--a mere whisper.
"Then you don't know that she was drowned last Thursday? And you weren't with her at that time?" Mr. Krautfixed a hard, inquisitive61, unbelieving eye on him.
"Why, no, of course, I wasn't," replied Clyde, recalling now but one thing--that he must deny all--until he shouldthink or know what else to do or say.
"And you didn't meet three men walking south last Thursday night from Big Bittern to Three Mile Bay at abouteleven o'clock?""Why, no, sir. Of course I didn't. I wasn't up there, I told you.""Very well, Mr. Griffiths, I haven't anything more to say. All I'm supposed to do is to arrest you, Clyde Griffiths,for the murder of Roberta Alden. You're my prisoner." He drew forth--more by way of a demonstration62 of forceand authority than anything else--a pair of steel handcuffs, which caused Clyde to shrink and tremble as thoughhe had been beaten.
"You needn't put those on me, mister," he pleaded. "I wish you wouldn't. I never had anything like that onbefore. I'll go with you without them." He looked longingly63 and sadly about at the trees, into the shelteringdepths of which so recently he ought to have plunged64. To safety.
"Very well, then," replied the redoubtable Kraut. "So long as you come along peaceful." And he took Clyde byone of his almost palsied arms.
"Do you mind if I ask you something else," asked Clyde, weakly and fearsomely, as they now proceeded, thethought of Sondra and the others shimmering65 blindingly and reducingly before his eyes. Sondra! Sondra! To goback there an arrested murderer! And before her and Bertine! Oh, no! "Are you, are you intending to take me tothat camp back there?""Yes, sir, that's where I'm intending to take you now. Them's my orders. That's where the district attorney and thesheriff of Cataraqui County are just now.""Oh, I know, I know," pleaded Clyde, hysterically66, for by now he had lost almost all poise67, "but couldn't you-couldn'tyou--so long as I go along just as you want--those are all my friends, you know, back there, and I'd hate .
. . couldn't you just take me around the camp somewhere to wherever you want to take me? I have a very specialreason--that is--I--I, oh, God, I hope you won't take me back there right now--will you please, Mr. Kraut?"He seemed to Kraut very boyish and weak now--clean of feature, rather innocent as to eye, well-dressed andwell-mannered--not at all the savage68 and brutal69 or murderous type he had expected to find. Indeed quite up to theclass whom he (Kraut) was inclined to respect. And might he not after all be a youth of very powerfulconnections? The conversations he had listened to thus far had indicated that this youth was certainly identifiedwith one of the best families in Lycurgus. And in consequence he was now moved to a slight show of courtesyand so added: "Very well, young man, I don't want to be too hard on you. After all, I'm not the sheriff or thedistrict attorney--just the arresting officer. There are others down there who are going to be able to say what todo about you--and when we get down to where they are, you can ask 'em, and it may be that they won't find it necessary to take you back in there. But how about your clothes? They're back there, ain't they?""Oh, yes, but that doesn't matter," replied Clyde, nervously and eagerly. "I can get those any time. I just don'twant to go back now, if I can help it.""All right, then, come along," replied Mr. Kraut.
And so it was that they walked on together now in silence, the tall shafts70 of the trees in the approaching duskmaking solemn aisles through which they proceeded as might worshipers along the nave71 of a cathedral, the eyesof Clyde contemplating72 nervously and wearily a smear73 of livid red still visible through the trees to the west.
Charged with murder! Roberta dead! And Sondra dead--to him! And the Griffiths! And his uncle! And hismother! and all those people in that camp!
Oh, oh, God, why was it that he had not run, when that something, whatever it was, had so urged him?
在他几乎整夜长眠，被诸如罗伯达呀。来捉拿他的那些人呀等等恶梦折磨得够呛之后，天亮了。最后，他终于起身了，但他每一根神经和两只眼睛都在疼痛。大约一个钟头以后，他才敢下楼，看见前天接送他的汽车夫弗雷德里克正把好几辆汽车里头的一辆开出来，于是便关照弗雷德里克把奥尔巴尼和尤蒂卡所有的晨报通通都给找来。九点半光景，汽车夫回来了。克莱德便拿着这些晨报，回到自己房间，把门锁上，随手将其中的一份晨报打开来，触目惊心的大标题立刻映入眼帘:
女郎之死神秘莫测女尸昨日已在艾迪隆达克湖发现男友迄今不知下落他一下子浑身紧张，脸色煞白，就在靠窗的一把椅子上坐下来，开始看下去。
(纽约州布里奇伯格七月九日讯)昨日正午前不久，在大比腾南端湖面上打捞到不知姓名的女郎的一具尸体。据悉这位女郎乃是一年轻人的妻子。星期三早上，这个年轻人在纽约州草湖的草湖旅社登记时，先是自称为卡尔。格雷厄姆夫妇。旋后于星期四中午去大比腾，在大比腾旅社登记时，却自称为克利福德。
戈尔登夫妇。因在月潭水面上发现一条翻掉的船，以及漂浮在那里的一顶男帽，才用铁钩。拖网等打捞了整整一个上午……但截止昨晚七时为止，男尸仍未找到。布里奇伯格验尸官海特已于下午二点被请至惨案出事现场。据海特称，男尸恐怕未必能找到。已故女郎头部。脸部发现多处伤痕和血斑。打捞时，有三个男子来到现场作证，说前天晚上他们在这湖南头树林子里碰到过一个形貌跟戈尔登或格雷厄姆相似的年轻人。据此间许多人认为:
这是一起谋杀案，凶手在逃。
该女郎留下一只棕色旅行皮包。一顶帽子和一件外套(皮包寄放在大比腾以东五英里的冈洛奇火车站售票处，帽子和外套现存放在大比腾旅社衣帽间);据说格雷厄姆或戈尔登随身携带手提箱上了船。
据大比腾旅社掌柜说，这对男女到达后即申报为来自奥尔巴尼的克利福德。
戈尔登夫妇。他们在旅社仅逗留片刻，戈尔登便到旅社外面的租船码头租了一条小船，拎着手提箱，偕同那个女郎登船游湖。他们并没有回来。昨晨，在该湖南端的一个小湾，亦即与该湖相连的名叫月潭的水面上，发现那条小船已经船底朝天，少妇的尸体当即在此水域中捞获。由于此处湖中并无暗礁，以及死者脸部伤痕十分显著，立即引起怀疑，该女郎临终前可能遭到毒打。连同那三个男子佐证，以及附近发现一顶既无商标，又无法确认其失主的男人草帽，验尸官海特有根据声称:
如若找不到这具男尸，这肯定是一起谋杀案。
据草潮与大比腾两旅社掌柜以及旅客。导游说，戈尔登或格雷厄姆，年龄不超过二十四。五岁，身段纤细，肤色浅黑，身高不超过五英尺八。九英寸。
此人到达旅社时，身穿淡灰色衣服，脚蹬棕黄色皮鞋，头戴草帽，拎着一只棕色手提箱，还拴上一柄雨伞和其他物品……很可能是一根手杖。
该女郎留在旅社的帽子和外套，分别为深褐色和淡褐色，她的衣服则是深蓝色。
现已通告附近所有火车站密切注意戈尔登或格雷厄姆，倘若此人仍活着，企图逃跑，则可将其逮捕归案。溺死的女郎尸体，将运往本县县城布里奇伯格，日后进行验尸。
他顿时浑身冻僵，默默无言地坐在那里冥思苦索。如此卑劣的一起谋杀案(现在看来，显然就是如此)，又是发生在附近地区，这么一条新闻消息，说不定会引起轰动，使很多很多的人……也许是所有的人……都要仔细审视所有过往行人，希望发现各报所列举外貌特征的那个逃犯，可不是吗?
人们既然早已紧紧地盯在他后面了，那他还不如亲自到大比腾或是地方当局去，将迄至今日的全部经过，以及原先计划。产生原因作一坦白交待，只不过务必说明:
到最后节骨眼上，说真的，他并没有弄死她……因为这时他忽然回心转意了，所以并没有按照原先设想下毒手的……这样岂不是更好吗?
可是，这不行。要知道这就会使他跟罗伯达之间的关系，在桑德拉和格里菲思一家人面前暴露无遗，何况现在还没有绝对肯定他在这里真的全都完蛋了。再说，这次逃跑以后……各报又说过罗伯达脸部发现伤痕，现在还会有人相信他吗?
这么一来，反而好象真的是他杀害她的，那时尽管他竭力矢口否认，也不管用了。
在所有见过他的人里头，至少有几位能根据各报所列举的外貌特征把他认出来，那也不见得不可能，即使现在他身上穿的并不是灰色衣服，头上戴的不是草帽。老天哪!
人们正在到处寻找他，或者说得更确切些，不是他，而是在找与他外貌酷肖的克利福德。戈尔登或卡尔。格雷厄姆，为的是以杀人罪控告他!
可他要是跟克利福德。戈尔登长得一模一样，还有那三个男子又突然来到了呢!
他开始发抖了。还有更糟糕的事。他忽然冒出一个新的可怕的念头(就在此刻，有如闪电一般，头一次从他心里掠过):
这些假名字的英文缩写，跟他自己的本名完全一个样!
在这以前，他从来没有发觉过它们有什么不对头，可现在，他方才明白它们可以断送他的性命。这一点他以前连想都没有想到呢?
为什么?
为什么?
啊，老天哪!
恰巧就在这时，桑德拉打来电话。有人告诉他是她打来的。不过，尽管这样，他还得鼓足精神，让他说适时口吻在电话里听起来也满不错哩。她的那个得了病的孩子，今天早上觉得怎么样?
见好了吗?
昨天晚上他突然得了病，多可怕呀。现在他真的差不多全好了吗?
他还能照样跟他们一块旅游去?
那就太好了。昨儿晚上，她整整一晚真的替他揪心，深怕他病倒去不了。不过，现在他既然可以去，那就意味着又是万事如意了。亲爱的!
小乖乖!
她的小宝贝很爱她吗?
她就是相信这次旅游对他会有很大好处。不过，亲爱的，整整一个上午作准备工作，她简直忙得不可开交。反正到了一点钟或是一点半钟，大家都得在夜总会码头集合。到了那时候……啊，我的天哪!
嘿，到了那边才开心哩!
他应当跟伯蒂娜。
格兰特，以及从克兰斯顿家里动身的那些人一起来的。抵达码头后，他可以改乘斯图尔特的汽艇。他们当然可以玩得很痛快……简直痛快极了……不过，现在她就得走了。再见!
再见!
象一只色彩鲜艳的小鸟，她一下子又飞走了。
可是还得等待:
过了三个钟头，他才能离开这儿，所以要尽量避免类似这样的危险，比方说，跟正在搜寻克利福德。戈尔登或卡尔。格雷厄姆的人邂逅!
不过，他此刻还可以打从湖边一直走进树林子去，可不是吗?
……要不然，他把手提箱拾掇好，坐在下头，密切注视有没有什么人从大路那边，或是乘汽船从湖上过来，然后沿着那条长长的。弯弯曲曲的小道走过来。要是他瞅见形迹可疑的人，他就可以逃走，不是吗?
后来，他果然就这么办了……先是到树林子里，象一头被围捕的野兽，频频回头张望。稍后，再转身回来，这儿坐坐，或是那儿走走，不过总是不停地注视着周围动静。(那是什么人?
那是一条什么船?
它开往哪儿呀?
会不会碰巧是开到这里来的?
船上有什么人?
要是有一名警官……一个侦探呢?
那就逃跑，当然罗……只要时间来得及的话。)但是，下午一点钟终于到了，伯蒂娜。哈利。威南特。格兰特和克莱德本人，坐着克兰斯顿家的汽艇，朝夜总会码头开过去。就在那儿，跟所有参加露营活动的人(包括一些仆人)会合了。在东岸以北三十英里的小鱼湾，他们跟巴戈特家。哈里特家，以及其他人家的汽车碰头了。在那里，他们就连同他们所携带的各种物品和小划子，一并运往东头四十英里开外，几乎如同大比腾一样荒凉而又吸引人的熊湖。
此刻要不是他别有一番滋味在心头的话，这次旅游对他来说，该是其乐无穷啊!
当桑德拉两眼不断地向他示意她是多么疼他的时候，他厮守在她身边显得格外乐滋滋的，而她之所以如此兴高采烈，就是因为他寸步不离她。可是，罗伯达的尸体毕竟被打捞上来了!
同时正在搜捕克利福德。戈尔登……卡尔。格雷厄姆。他的外貌特征，已通过电讯和报刊到处传播。这儿所有的人……也许在船上和汽车上全都知道了。但是他们全都非常熟悉他，知道他跟桑德拉和格里菲思家都有密切关系，所以谁都没有怀疑他，甚至那些外貌特征，连想都没有去想呢。可是，万一他们想到了呢!
万一他们猜想起来呢!
那多可怕呀!
逃跑!
告发!
警方!
首先抛弃他的，就是这一拨人……所有的人，一个也不拉……也许只有桑德拉是例外。不，甚至她也会……是的，当然罗，她也会……她眼睛里流露出那么恐怖的神色啊。
日落黄昏时分，全体人员都驻留在这个小小的熊湖西岸。在这一片空旷的。
平滑得有如精心保养的草坪一样的草地上，五座色彩不同的帐篷，围在一堆篝火四周，活象一个印第安人的村落。厨师和仆人的帐篷，则搭建在远处。还有五六只小划子，停靠在绿草如茵的湖岸上，如同刚出水的一条条亮闪闪的鱼。
然后，大家围着一堆篝火进晚餐。巴戈特。哈里特。斯图尔特和格兰特，他们先唱起了一些流行歌曲，于是大家随着翩翩起舞。不一会儿，在一盏大型煤油灯耀眼的灯光底下，大家坐下来玩纸牌。还有一些人则唱起了不干不净的露营小曲和大学生歌曲，尽管这些歌曲克莱德连一支也不知道，可他还是尽量跟着一块哼唱。不时爆发出一阵阵哈哈大笑声。还有人在打赌:
看谁先钓到鱼，谁先击中松鼠或是鹧鸪，谁在竞走中得胜。最后是一本正经地议论，计划在明天吃过早饭以后，将宿营地至少还得往东挪十英里。那里有一片理想的湖滩，不到五英里，便是梅蒂西克旅馆，他们不妨在那儿痛痛快快地进餐。跳舞。
然后，到了夜晚，所有的人想必都已入睡了，只见宿营地一片岑寂，多美呀。那星星呀!
那神秘。幽暗的湖面上，微风习习，吹起了一层层涟漪;那神秘。
幽暗的松树林，在微风里喁喁低语;还有那宿鸟和猫头鹰发出的叫声……在愁肠百结的克莱德听来，简直心乱如麻了。这一切……多美，多壮观……只要……只要不是有一种恐怖，如同一具骷髅蹑手蹑脚地。亦步亦趋地紧跟在他后头就好了，他之所以感到恐怖，不仅仅是他对罗伯达下了毒手，而且还是深怕骇人的。强大的法律把他判定为杀人犯!
接着是桑德拉，当别人都已入睡了……或是躲到暗处去了……她却偷偷地溜了出来，为了跟他说一些悄悄话，和在星光底下亲吻。他对她还低声耳语说，他是多么幸福，对她的一片爱心多么感激。有一回，他几乎想开口问问她:
要是她一旦知道他这个人并不是象她现在心里想象那么好，她对他能不能还会有一点儿爱情……而不是对他恨透了……可他临到最后还是按捺住了，唯恐在头天晚上自己骤然大惊失色以后，说不定她会把它跟他目前的心态，或者跟正在使他五内俱裂的那个可怕的。致命的秘密联系起来。
随后，他跟巴戈特。哈里特。格兰特一起躺在那座置放四张帆布床的帐篷里，一连好几个钟头，忐忑不安地屏气倾听着外面有没有脚步声，它说不定意味着……它说不定意味着……老天哪，恰恰是在这里，这些脚步声，对他来说，意味着什么呀?
法律!
逮捕!
告发!
死。这一夜他有两次从可怕的恶梦里惊醒……觉得好象……也很害怕……自己在睡梦里真的大喊大叫过。
可是在这以后，又是霞光万道了……一轮黄澄澄的太阳，从湖面上冉冉升起……在湖对面小小的河湾里，有野鸭子在嬉水。过了一会儿，格兰特。斯图尔特和哈利，连衣服都没穿齐整，带着猎枪，自诩猎艺精湛，满以为远距离射击即能打中几只野禽，就傻乎乎地坐上小划子动身了，但结果却一无所得，让所有旁观者乐不可支。还有那些少男少女，身穿五光十色的游泳衣和湖滨浴场常见的绸袍子，蹑手蹑脚地溜了出去，随后兴高采烈地扑到水里，大声嚷嚷，嘁嘁喳喳地笑谈着眼前这种种的乐趣。到了九点钟进早餐。随后，一支由亮闪闪的小划子组成的船队，沿着湖的南岸往东驶去，该有多快乐，多美呀。大伙儿一面弹起六弦琴。吉他和曼陀林，一面还高声唱着歌儿，逗乐着，欢笑着。
"我的心肝儿，今天怎么啦?
瞧他脸色阴沉。他在这里跟桑德拉和这些乖孩子一块玩儿，为啥还不快快活活呢?
"克莱德马上觉察到:
他非得装出高高兴兴，无忧无虑不可。
约莫在正午时分，哈利。巴戈特。格兰特和哈里特宣告说，瞧那边……就在前头……是他们心目中要达到的那个理想的滩头……羊角滩，是一个狭长的岬，站在最高处，全湖的景色，一览无余。下游湖岸上地面宽敞，可以安置这一行人所有的帐篷和随身用具。然后，在这温暖。愉快的星期天，整整一个下午，照例排满了种种活动……进午餐。游泳，跳舞，散步，打纸牌，弹琴，唱歌，等等。至于克莱德和桑德拉，如同其他伴侣们一样，悄悄地溜了出去……桑德拉抱着一只曼陀林……远远地躲在帐篷东头一处隐蔽的岩石堆里。在那里，他们可以躺在松树林的树荫底下……桑德拉倒在克莱德的怀里……倾诉着他们将来肯定会做的事，尽管据桑德拉说，芬奇利太太扬言过，这一回克莱德来这儿玩过以后，她的女儿不得如同这次露营旅游那样跟他亲密来往了。克莱德太穷……简直是格里菲思家一个不三不四的亲戚(她母亲的原意就是如此，只不过她向克莱德转述时措词略微含蓄些)。可她又接下去说:
"多可笑，亲爱的!
不过，你别介意。我只是一笑了之，因为暂时我还不想使她生气罢了。不过我倒是问过她，现在您既然这么受人欢迎，我在所到之处怎能跟您避不见面呢。我亲爱的……长得这么漂亮。谁都是这么个看法……哪怕连年轻小伙子他们也是这样。
"正在这个时刻，在沙隆银色旅馆的游廊上，地方检察官梅森。他的助手伯顿。伯利。验尸官海特。厄尔。纽科姆，还有那个令人望而生畏的执法官斯莱克(此人大腹便便，眉宇深锁，可平素待人接物倒是很乐乐呵呵)，以及第一。第二。第三助手:
克劳特。西塞尔和斯温克……他们在一起商量，采用哪些最稳妥的最佳办法，马上将凶犯逮捕法办。
"此人已经到熊湖去了。我们务必在他还没有得到一点儿风声以前追上去，将他一下子逮住。"于是，他们这一行人就这样出发了……伯利和厄尔。纽科姆去沙隆，设法进一步搜集有关克莱德星期五到达这里并去克兰斯顿家别墅等情况，同了解他行踪的知情人进行谈话，而且发传票讯问他们。海特去三英里湾，负有同样的使命，约见天鹅号船长穆尼和那三个人。梅森偕同执法官及其助手们，乘坐一艘包租的快艇，按照现已查明的。刚动身的露营队伍所走的路线，跟踪追寻，要是跟踪对象没有找错，先到小鱼湾，再从那里直奔熊湖。
星期一早上，正当羊角滩这一拨年轻人撤了营帐，往东移至十英里开外的隐身滩时，梅森。斯莱克及其三名助手，才赶到了前一天早上早已撤走的宿营地。在那里，执法官跟梅森磋商以后，便分头乘坐从这里仅有的几户居民那儿征集到的小划子，梅森和第一助手克劳特沿南岸进发;斯莱克和第二助手西塞尔，则沿北岸进发;那个恨不得一下子抓住凶犯用手铐把他铐起来的年轻人斯温克，这次打扮成一个孤独的年轻猎手，或是林区居民，从湖心径直往东头划去，寻觅隐约可见的烟火。帐篷，或是正在闲逛的游人。他满怀了不起的梦想，其中之一就是要亲手把杀人犯逮住……"克莱德。格里菲思，我以法律的名义逮捕你!
"殊不知来自梅森和斯莱克的命令，让他伤心极了:
命令他走到最前哨，一发现任何迹象，不要打草惊蛇，马上回过头去，到凶犯大概听不到的远处，用他那支八响连发枪开一枪。谁离得最近，就先回一枪，然后赶快冲他那个方向飞奔过去。但是，他无论如何不能单独捕捉犯人，除非发现有外貌酷肖克莱德的可疑人物乘船或是步行，企图逃跑。
就在这一时刻，克莱德和哈利。巴戈特。伯蒂娜。桑德拉一起乘坐一只小划子，跟船队其他几只小划子一起向东悠然划去。克莱德还频频向后张望，心里老是在纳闷。要是此刻有警官等人已经到达沙隆，一路跟踪追寻他，追捕到了这里呢?
因为他们只要一知道他的名字，要了解清楚他的去向，难道还会有困难吗?
不过，他们并不知道他的名字呀。各报那些新闻报道，不就是证明吗?
为什么他老是这么担心呢?
特别是在这次无限美妙的出游中，他跟桑德拉终于又欢聚到一起了。再说，即使现在沿湖边往东驶去，一直来到了熊湖对岸那家旅馆，经过一片荒无人烟的树林子，他不是可以溜进去……再也不回来吗?
星期六下午不是他无意中问过哈利。巴戈特等人，从熊湖的东头往南或是往东有没有路吗?
他不是早就打听清楚那儿是有路的吗?
他们终于在星期一正午，到达了隐身滩。这是此次露营活动的主事者心目中第三个风光绮丽的景点。克莱德帮着把帐篷再搭建起来，姑娘们便在附近玩儿。
不料就在这个时刻，年轻的斯温克在羊角滩宿营地发现了岸上篝火留下的灰烬。他象一头觅食的野兽，急巴巴。兴冲冲走过来，再察看了一遍，很快地驾着小划子朝前驶去。过了一个钟头，梅森和克劳特也巡查来到了这里，但只是匆匆地投以一瞥，因为猎物显然早已逃往远处了。
可是，斯温克划得比较快，四点钟就到达了隐身滩。他发现远处湖面上有多达五六个人，便马上掉过头来，朝相反方向退回去，打算发出必要的信号。
他往后走了两英里地，才开了一枪。梅森和执法官斯莱克先后都开枪接应他。
两路人马都听见了，就赶快往东头划去。
在湖面上的克莱德……身边正偎着桑德拉……一听到枪声，马上就心慌了。
头一枪就是个坏兆头!
接着又响起两枪……响声更远，但好象是回答头一枪的!
在这以后，好一片可怕的沉寂呀!
这是怎么回事?
哈利。巴戈特还打趣说:
"目前是禁猎季节，小伙子们，你们听听有人却在打猎，是不是?
这是违法的，可不是吗?
""嘿，你们得注意!
"格兰特。克兰斯顿高声说。"下面那些野鸭子是我的。别惊动它们。""要是人家枪法跟你差不离，格兰特，那他们怎么也惊动不了这些野鸭子的，"伯蒂娜插话说。
克莱德真想笑，可他还是朝枪声那个方向张望，屏住气倾听着，有如一头被围捕的野兽。
现在究竟是哪种力量促使他离船上岸，换上衣服就逃跑?
快呀!
快呀!
到自己帐篷里去!
到树林子去，快呀!
最后，他听从了这个声音，趁众人没有注意，急匆匆走进自己帐篷，换了一件素蓝工作服，戴上一顶他手头还留着的鸭舌帽，就从帐篷后头溜进了树林子……一直来到了遮人耳目的地方，他才好好思索应付对策。不过，他总是安全地藏身在树林子深处，让湖面上不能直接看见他，因为害怕……因为害怕……有谁能断定，这几枪到底是什么意思呢?
可是桑德拉呀!
她在星期六。昨天和今天说过的那些话呀。他还没有闹清楚，这些枪声的由来，就可以这样离开她了吗?
他真的可以吗?
她的亲吻呀!
她对未来所说的那些温馨的话儿呀!
要是他一去不回来，那她……还有许多别人……又会有什么想法?
沙隆等地的报纸，一定会议论他的突然失踪，从而认定他就是克利福德。戈尔登或是卡尔。格雷厄姆!
可不是吗?
他一转念又想到……这些恐惧可能是毫无根据的……也许只是过路猎人在湖上或则在树林子里偶尔打几枪罢了。接着，他迟疑了一会儿，心中暗自展开了辩论:
到底是往前走呢，还是驻步不前。可是，啊，这些高高的。象擎天柱似的松树，多么令人感到安谧!
走在地上那些象毯子似的棕色针叶堆里，既柔软，而又听不见脚步声……一丛丛密密匝匝的矮树底下，可以躺下来，躲藏在那里，一直到天黑。随后，再往前走去……再往前走去。可他还是往回走了，心想回到宿营地，看看有没有什么人来过。(他不妨就说是去散散步，在树林子里却迷了路。)不过，大约就在这时，梅森。斯莱克和所有其他人员，躲在宿营地以西至少有两英里地的树林子深处，碰头商量对策。结果，就在克莱德踟躇不前，后来回到帐篷不远处时，梅森已由斯温克驾着划子，到达了宿营地。他问还在岸边的那些人，这里有没有一位名叫克莱德。格里菲思的先生，可不可以见见他。
哈利。巴戈特离他们最近就回答说:
"是啊，当然可以罗。他正在附近什么地方呢。
"斯图尔特。芬奇利大声招呼道:
"喂，格里菲思!
"可就是没有回答的声音。
克莱德离岸边已相当远，听不到呼喊声。可他还是朝宿营地走回来，真的，走得很慢，很小心。梅森认定可能他是在附近某个地方，当然还不会听到什么风声，所以便决定等几分钟再说……他关照斯温克退到树林子里去，要是碰巧遇见斯莱克等人，便转告他派一个人沿着湖岸往东，另一个人则往西走去，他……斯温克自己跟刚才那样坐船往东，到湖对岸的旅馆去，到了那里就可以通知大家有一个嫌疑犯正潜伏在这个地区。
这时，克莱德已经走到宿营地以东四分之三英里的地方了。不知怎么总是有一个什么声音对他低声耳语说:
逃跑吧，逃跑吧，不要一再踟躇不前了!
可他还是迟疑不定，心里惦着桑德拉，惦着这美妙的生活!
难道说他就这么一走了之吗?
他又自言自语道，他要是不留下来，而是走了的话，可能他又犯了一个更大的错误。要知道，万一这些枪声压根儿什么事都没有……只不过是猎人们打猎的枪声，跟他此事毫不相干……可是却把他所有的一切都给断送了，那怎么办?
不过，最后，他又回过头来，自言自语道，也许最好暂时先不回去，至少在天色很晚以前……也就是说，在天黑以前切莫回去……看看这些奇怪的枪声究竟意味着什么。
可是，他又默默地。迟疑地驻步不前，只听见夜鸣和林中金翅雀叽叽嘁嘁地在叫。他往四处窥望，心情紧张地东张西望。
蓦然间，离他只不过五十英尺开外，就在他面前那条高大的树木组成的长长的通道里，飞快而又悄悄地冲他走过来一个蓄小胡子。颇似林区居民的那类人……此人瘦高个儿，目光敏锐，头戴一顶棕色呢帽，他那皮包骨的身上空落落地穿着一件破旧的棕灰色衣服。此人一面走过来，一面突然大声呼喊，吓得克莱德浑身血液一下子都凉了，呆若木鸡似的站在原地不动。
"等一等，先生!
不许动。你的名字不就是克莱德。格里菲思吗，是吗?
"克莱德发觉这个陌生人犀利的审讯似的目光，而且，此人已经掏出左轮手枪，高高地举了起来，站立在克莱德面前。此人言出如山的权威口吻，顿时使他寒冷彻骨。难道说他真的就这样给逮住了吗?
难道说执法的警官真的来抓他了吗?
老天哪!
现在已没有希望逃跑了!
刚才他干吗不往前走呢?
啊，干吗不走?
他一下子浑身无力，瑟瑟发抖了。可他不愿暴露自己身份，正想回答说:
"不是!
"不过，因为他脑际忽然有一个比较明智的念头掠过，就回答说:
"怎么啦，是的，那是我的名字。
""你跟西头宿营地的那拨人是在一起的，是吧?
""是的，先生，我跟他们是在一起的。""敢情好，格里菲思先生。对不起，我可不得不掏出左轮手枪来了。我奉上级命令，不管在什么情况下，务必把你抓起来，就是这么一回事。我叫克劳特，尼古拉斯。克劳特。我是卡塔拉基县执法官的助手。我这儿有逮捕证。我想，个中原因你也该知道，现在你就得老老实实跟我走，"克劳特说话时，把那支很沉的。吓人的武器甚至攥得比刚才更紧，而且两眼坚决地。不容分辩地直盯住克莱德。
"什么呀……什么呀……不……我可不知道，"克莱德有气无力地回答说，脸色骤然煞白。"不过，如果您手头有逮捕证，当然，我得跟您走。不过，怎么……怎么……我可不明白，"他说这句话时，声音开始有点儿发抖了。"为……为什么您要逮捕我?
""你不明白，嗯?
星期三或是星期四，你没有碰巧到过大比腾。草湖，嗯?
""怎么啦，没有，先生。我没有，"克莱德回答时说了谎话。
"有一位女郎，据说是跟你在一起的，在那儿淹死了，依我看……是纽约比尔茨的罗伯达。奥尔登。难道说你也一点儿都不知道。""怎么啦，我的天哪，不!
"克莱德回答说，这时他已神不守舍，前言不搭后语。提到罗伯达的真名实姓，还有她家里的地址，竟然如此之快，出之于这个完全陌生的人之口……这可使他吓懵了。那末，他们全都知道了!
他们已掌握到线索了。他的真名实姓，还有她的真名实姓!
天哪!
"难道说他怀疑我是杀人凶手吗?
"他接着说，声音很低……犹如在喃喃自语。
"那你还不知道她上星期四给淹死了?
难道说当时你没有跟她在一起吗?
"克劳特先生用一种冷酷的。审问似的。不信任的眼光直盯住他。
"怎么啦，不，当然罗，我可没有，"克莱德回答说。这时，他只想到一件事，就是:
在他还没有想到(或是知道)该怎么办或怎么说之前，他必须否认一切。
"上星期四晚上，大约十一点钟左右，你从大比腾到三英里湾的路上，也没有碰到过三个人吗?
""怎么啦，没有，先生，当然罗，我可没碰到过。我已告诉过您了，我没有到过那里。""好吧，格里菲思先生，我也没有别的话好说了。我奉命而来，就是为罗伯达。奥尔登被害一案逮捕你，克莱德。格里菲思。你跟我走就得了。"他掏出一副纯钢手铐来……不外乎是显显他的威风罢了……克莱德顿时往后退缩，浑身发抖，如同挨了一顿揍似的。
"您用不着给我戴这个，先生，"他恳求地说。"我希望您别这样。我一辈子都没有戴过铐。不上铐，我照样跟您走就得了。"他依依不舍。满面愁容地望了一眼那些密密匝匝的树丛，那些隐蔽的林中深处，刚才他应该奔进去，在那儿就安全无虞。
"那末，好吧，"威风凛凛的克劳特回答说。"只要你老老实实跟我走。"于是，他抓住克莱德的一条几乎痉挛了的胳臂。
"我可不可以向您再问一件事?
"他们一块上路时，克莱德胆小如鼠地低声问。
他一想到桑德拉等人，就觉得他们闪闪发光，令人眩目，而自己却显得太渺小了。桑德拉!
桑德拉!
把一个抓住的杀人犯押回那里去!
而且，就让她和伯蒂娜看见他!
啊，不行!
"您……您是打算把我带回宿营地去吗?
""是的，先生，现在我就是这个打算。我这是奉命办事。地方检察官和卡塔拉基县执法官此刻都在那儿。""哦，我知道，我知道，"克莱德歇斯底里地恳求道，这时他那泰然自若的态度几乎丧失殆尽了。"不过，您能不能……您能不能……只要我老老实实跟您走……您明白吗，回到那儿，都是我的朋友，我可不愿意……您能不能带我绕过宿营地，不管您想把我带到哪儿都行。我有一个特殊原因……那就是……我……我，啊，老天哪，我求求您，克劳特先生，这会儿别把我带回宿营地去……行不行?
"克劳特觉得，这个人仿佛非常软弱，还有些稚气……长得眉目清秀，看来相当天真，穿着讲究，态度良好……压根儿不象是他预料中那么野蛮。残暴的凶犯。说实话此人正好来自他克劳特一向尊敬的那个阶
收听单词发音 |
1
sleepless
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| adj.不睡眠的，睡不著的，不休息的 | |
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chauffeur
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| n.(受雇于私人或公司的)司机；v.为…开车 | |
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3
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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4
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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5
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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6
cove
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| n.小海湾，小峡谷 | |
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7
abrasions
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| n.磨损( abrasion的名词复数 )；擦伤处；摩擦；磨蚀（作用） | |
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8
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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9
lining
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| n.衬里，衬料 | |
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10
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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11
lookout
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| n.注意，前途，瞭望台 | |
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12
detrimental
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| adj.损害的，造成伤害的 | |
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13
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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14
vocally
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| adv. 用声音, 用口头, 藉著声音 | |
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dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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pier
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| n.码头；桥墩，桥柱；[建]窗间壁，支柱 | |
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lone
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| adj.孤寂的，单独的；唯一的 | |
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exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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flare
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| v.闪耀，闪烁；n.潮红；突发 | |
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poker
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| n.扑克；vt.烙制 | |
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rippling
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| 起涟漪的，潺潺流水般声音的 | |
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distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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gnawing
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| a.痛苦的，折磨人的 | |
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nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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fowling
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| 捕鸟，打鸟 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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paraphernalia
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| n.装备；随身用品 | |
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concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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veranda
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| n.走廊；阳台 | |
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redoubtable
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| adj.可敬的；可怕的 | |
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scowling
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| 怒视，生气地皱眉( scowl的现在分词 ) | |
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intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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subpoenaing
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| v.（用传票）传唤（某人）( subpoena的现在分词 ) | |
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deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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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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contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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cursory
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| adj.粗略的；草率的；匆促的 | |
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ominous
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| adj.不祥的，不吉的，预兆的，预示的 | |
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heeding
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的现在分词 ) | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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clumps
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| n.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的名词复数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声v.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的第三人称单数 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声 | |
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thickets
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| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
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unaware
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| a.不知道的，未意识到的 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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dubiously
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| adv.可疑地，怀疑地 | |
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peeking
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| v.很快地看( peek的现在分词 )；偷看；窥视；微露出 | |
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aisles
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| n. (席位间的)通道, 侧廊 | |
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baggy
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| adj.膨胀如袋的，宽松下垂的 | |
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rivet
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| n.铆钉；vt.铆接，铆牢；集中(目光或注意力) | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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marrow
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| n.骨髓；精华；活力 | |
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conclusive
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| adj.最后的，结论的；确凿的，消除怀疑的 | |
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inquisitive
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| adj.求知欲强的，好奇的，好寻根究底的 | |
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demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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longingly
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| adv. 渴望地 热望地 | |
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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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shimmering
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| v.闪闪发光，发微光( shimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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hysterically
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| ad. 歇斯底里地 | |
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poise
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| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
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savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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brutal
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| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
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shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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nave
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| n.教堂的中部；本堂 | |
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contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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smear
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| v.涂抹；诽谤，玷污；n.污点；诽谤，污蔑 | |
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