He acknowledged the sore need of ending the
suspicious and superstitious fears which were beginning to affect the
life of the community in various ways. But he could not see his way to
any participation in means so dangerous to the life of one of their
number as those suggested.
He did his best to dissuade Gard from it. He even reminded him of the
duty he owed to Nance. She had undoubtedly saved his life, and she had a
premier claim upon his consideration--and so on.
To all of which Gard fully assented.
"But," he said gravely, "we are at a deadlock in this other matter, and
it is just barely possible that this plan may clear it all up. I can't
say I'm very sanguine that it will. On the other hand, I really don't
see that any great harm can come to me. The others probably suffered
because they were taken unawares. I shall go in the hope of meeting it,
and shall be ready for it. Unless, Vicar, you really think it is the
devil or something of that sort?"
"I don't know what to think," said the Vicar solemnly. "I cannot bring
myself to believe any of our Sark men would do such dreadful things.
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