those who do not know the
way, for the bed of it abounds in treacherous quicksands. It was indeed
at this point that Captain Jones had feared lest Garnet, a stranger,
might meet with disaster. Now, it seemed likely that he had.

Van Dusen unpinned the note, opened it, and read aloud:

"To the World:

"I hope to cross this unknown channel in safety, for the sake of
the young woman, Ethel Marion, who is pure and innocent. I have
spent my energies in order that the world might be benefited. But
in zeal to win the fame for myself while helping others, I resorted
to drugs to give me a capacity for strength beyond that apportioned
to me by my Creator. Let my guilt serve as a warning to every
professional man who desires to be of service to his fellows. There
can be no gain to humanity from a folly that must cost him his own
soul.

"GIFFORD GARNET."

[Illustration: Van Dusen unpinned the note, opened it, and read aloud.]

Ichabod burst forth excitedly as the reading ended.

"Thar, now, didn't I tell ye that feller was no beast? The poor man! I
wonder if he did get over all right. Maybe he has jest really destroyed
himself, an' meant to, but didn't want folks to think he was that kind
o' a coward."

Van Dusen shook his head.

"No, I don't believe he meant to kill himself. I believe he meant to try
his best to cross, but feared he might be swept away and drowned."

Ichabod bade the detective wait while he himself should ford the inlet
in order to look for tracks in the sand on the further side. He reached
the opposite shore safely, and there moved to and fro along the water's
edge for a time, apparently making a close search. Van Dusen awaited a
signal, but there was none. At last, Ichabod reentered the water and
crossed to where the detective awaited him. In answer to the mute
inquiry of his companion's gaze, Captain Jones shook his head sadly as
he spoke.

"Mr. Van Dusen, thar hain't a doubt in my mind but that God A'mighty
will be mighty easy with that feller at the judgment seat."

The two slowly retraced their steps toward the cabin. The detective
purposely lagged a little. He wished to save his companion from
over-exertion. He had never hitherto seen a man of such advanced age
endure so much strenuous physical activity, and he feared that it might
bring ill consequences. As a matter of fact, of the two, Ichabod
probably felt less fatigued.

It was dark