is weakened condition, was unable to breast the
tide, and so was carried out to sea. To my mind, it seems, perhaps, the
best ending for that drug-crazed man. At the same time, I confess I'm
heartily sorry for the fellow. Had there been any way to get him clear
of the charges it would have been necessary for him to face, I for one
would have been willing to go to any length to save him, to get him away
to some place where he was not known and could begin life anew."
Roy showed the note to Ethel, and explained how the evidence seemed to
indicate that the physician was dead. The girl listened quietly, but
when her lover had made an end, she turned quickly and went away to her
stateroom, to be alone with her grief.
During Ethel's absence the yacht was got under way for Beaufort. Van
Dusen and Ichabod restored their energies by a hearty meal. By the time
the moon had risen, the party of four were gathered aft, talking
together quietly, and enjoying the beauties in the panorama of sea and
shore and sky unfolded by the yacht's progress. There was rapture in the
hearts of both lovers in this reunion after so great trials. Each of
them had sailed over these waters in an agony of grief and fear while
they were separated from each other. Now, they were once again together.
The fear and the peril were things of the past. For the present, there
was only joy, a joy that would endure for the days to come.
Van Dusen explained to the others how he had extended an invitation to
Ichabod to make use of the yacht for his honeymoon-trip. Ethel was
astonished and delighted to learn of the old fisherman's romance and his
intended bridal on the morrow.
"But, do you know," she exclaimed with a smile, to Captain Jones, "I
supposed, of course, you were married, and had grandchildren?"
"Not me!" the old man answered, unabashed. "But I do aim to!"
Van Dusen further explained that the only thing now wanting was the
consent of the bride herself to the plans. He then spoke again of the
reward to be paid to Ichabod. Roy declared that this should be made out
immediately. Once again, Captain Icky protested against the payment, but
without much heart in his objections, and finally, after mumbling
something as to the time lost from his fishing, he consented to receive
the amount. But on a condition. He stipulated that the check should be
made out to Sarah Porter, and that in the left-hand corner there should
be written the words:
"In lieu of a
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