The After House by Mary Roberts Rinehart
page 102 of 225 (45%)
page 102 of 225 (45%)
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With the approach of night our vigilance was doubled. There was no
thought of sleep among the crew, and, with the twilight, there was a distinct return of the terror of the morning. Gathered around the wheel, the crew listened while Jones read evening prayer. Between the two houses, where the deck was roped off, Miss Lee was alone, pacing back and-forward, her head bent, her arms dropped listlessly. The wind had gone, and the sails hung loose over our heads. I stood by the port rail. Although my back was toward Miss Lee, I was conscious of her every movement; and so I knew when she stooped under the rope and moved lightly toward the starboard rail. Quick as she was, I was quicker. There was still light enough to see her face as she turned when I called to her: "Miss Lee You must not leave the rope." "Must not?" "I am sorry to seem arbitrary. It is for your own safety." I was crossing the deck toward her as I spoke. I knew what she was going to do. I believe, when she saw my face, that she read my knowledge in it. She turned back from the rail and faced me. "Surely I may go to the rail!" "It would be unwise, if for no other reason than discipline." |
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