The Dark Star

"Aw--shut up," returned Brandes slowly, between his teeth.

They climbed the flight of steps to the verandah, through a rapidly

thickening gloom which was ripped wide open at intervals by

lightning.

So Brandes and his shadow, Bennie Stull, came into the home of

Ruhannah Carew.

Her mother, who had observed their approach from the window, opened

the door.

"Mother," said Ruhannah, "here is the fish I caught--and two

gentlemen."

With which dubious but innocent explanation she continued on toward

the kitchen, carrying her fish.

Stull offered a brief explanation to account for their plight and

presence; Brandes, listening and watching the mother out of greenish,

sleepy eyes, made up his mind concerning her.

While the spare room was being prepared by mother and daughter, he and

Stull, seated in the sitting-room, their hats upon their knees,

exchanged solemn commonplaces with the Reverend Mr. Carew.

Brandes, always the gambler, always wary and reticent by nature, did

all the listening before he came to conclusions that relaxed the

stiffness of his attitude and the immobility of his large, round

face.

Then, at ease under circumstances and conditions which he began to

comprehend and have an amiable contempt for, he became urbane and

conversational, and a little amused to find navigation so simple, even

when out of his proper element.

From the book on the invalid's knees, Brandes took his cue; and the

conversation developed into a monologue on the present condition of

foreign missions--skilfully inspired by the respectful attention and

the brief and ingenious questions of Brandes.

"Doubtless," concluded the Reverend Mr. Carew, "you are familiar with

the life of the Reverend Adoniram Judson, Mr. Brandes."

It turned out to be Brandes' favourite book.

"You will recollect, then, the amazing conditions in India which

confronted Dr. Judson and his wife."

Brandes recollected perfectly--with a slow glance at Stull.

"All that is changed," said the invalid. "--God be thanked. And

conditions in Armenia are changing for the better, I hope."

"Let us hope so," returned Brandes solemnly.

"To doubt it is to doubt the goodness of the Almighty," said the

Reverend Mr. Carew. His dreamy eyes became fixed on the rain-splashed

window, burned a little with sombre inward light.

"In Trebizond," he began, "in my time----"

His wife came into the room, saying that the spare bedchamber was

ready and that the gentlemen might wish to wash before supper, which

would be ready in a little while.

* * * * *

On their way upstairs they encountered Ruhannah coming down. Stull

passed with a polite grunt; Brandes ranged himself for the girl to

pass him.