The One Who Went Away
heard us, or were we making such a racket"
And after his words there came a pause, unexpected, pregnant with hidden meaning. Merritt suddenly saw Deane's hands slowly clench, with a strength which left the knuckles white, clench until they shook to the muscular effort. Deane said, very slowly, in a perfectly expressionless voice:
"I—thought you had found it out by this time. Merritt … I'm blind."
Again there was a pause. The cup in Merritt's hand- remained tilted, its contents spilling upon the ground. Then he said, almost below his breath:
"How did it happen?"
"I'll tell you. Later. Can't we get inside somewhere? I feel the sun,"
137
