Page:The Great Secret.djvu/285

Rh He could not see his coming victim, neither could he see those who were attending the last moments. Adela and her husband, Philip, supporting the head of the incarnate demon who had robbed her of her earth happiness as well as her earth fortune, with the other accusing victims who, drawn to him, crowded round him with stern or mocking eyes.

"How delicious that glass of water tasted which you gave me just now—yes, I was very thirsty, Adela; I have suffered much from thirst lately, and hunger also, but I am no longer hungry nor thirsty, yet I could take a few more grapes—ah, that was good of you to bring me your pardon and those delicacies. Now that you are looking after me, I shall be able to sleep without any fear."

His heavy eyelids closed as he murmured these last words, while, after a rattle or two in his throat, his panting breath ceased and his lower jaw fell.

"Come, Philip, my love, help me with this miserable man."

Then, as the boat went down with its light load, and the shark darted after it to the dark depths, Philip and Adela, holding the shivering and terrified spirit between them, swept away, followed by that vast crowd of accusers.