"willia~2" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hodgson William Hope)

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THE VOICE IN THE NIGHT 5


back! We'll keep the light hidden, if you don't like it."
He turned to me:

"It's a damned queer rig, this; but I think there's nothing to be
afraid of?
There was a question in his tone, and I replied.

"No, I think the poor devil's been wrecked around here, and gone
crazy."
The sound of the oars drew nearer.

"Shove that lamp back in the binnacle," said Will; then he leaned
over the rail and listened. I replaced the lamp, and came back to
his side. The dipping of the oars ceased some dozen yards
distant.

"Won't you come alongside now?" asked Will in an even voice.
"I have had the lamp put back in the binnacle."

"I--I cannot," replied the voice. "I dare not come nearer. I dare
not even pay you for the--the provisions."

"That's all right," said Will, and hesitated. "You're welcome to as
much grub as you can take--" Again he hesitated.

"You are very good," exclaimed the voice. "May God, Who
understands everything, reward you--" It broke off huskily.
"The--the lady?" said Will abruptly. "Is she--"

"I have left her behind upon the island," came the voice.
"What island?" I cut in.

"I know not its name," returned the voice. "I would to God--!" it
began, and checked itself as suddenly.
"Could we not send a boat for her?" asked Will at this point.

"No!" said the voice, with extraordinary emphasis. "My God!
No!" There was a moment's pause; then it added, in a tone which
seemed a merited reproach:

"It was because of our want I ventured--because her agony