I'm going to be executioner now, so look
the other way, Matt!"
Kelson needed no second bidding; and sticking his fingers in his ears,
walked to some little distance. When Hamar called him back, the deed
was accomplished--the conditions prescribed in the rites had been
observed--the tabby was in the saucepan on the fire, and its blood had
been besprinkled on each of the seven sectors of the circle.
"We must now take our seats on the ground," Hamar said; "I'd better be
in the centre--you, Matt, on the right, and you, Ed, on the
left--allowing three clear feet between us."
Hamar showed them how to sit--with legs crossed and arms folded.
For some minutes no one spoke. The wind rustled through the bushes and
an owl hooted. Kelson, feeling the night air cold, drew his overcoat
tightly around and the others followed suit. Then Curtis said--
"Do you really think there's anything in it, Leon? Aren't we fools to
go on wasting our time like this?"
To which Hamar replied: "Shut up! You were frightened enough doing the
tests!"
From afar off, away on the shimmering bosom of the bay came the faint
hooting of a steamer.
"That's the _Oleander_!" Kelson murmured.
"Rot!" Curtis snapped. "How do you know? You can't tell from this
distance. It might be the _Daisy_, or the _San Marie_, or any other
ship."
Kelson made no reply; Hamar blew his nose, and once again there was
silence.
The effect of the moonlight had now become weird.
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