I was busy with other thoughts, and did not join
him in the wood, that day.
"The forenoon was overcast, with frequent showers. Each one
occupied his or her room until dinner-time, when we met again with
something of the old geniality. There was an evident effort to
restore our former flow of good feeling. Abel's experience with
the beer was freely discussed. He insisted strongly that he had
not been laboring under its effects, and proposed a mutual test.
He, Shelldrake, and Hollins were to drink it in equal measures, and
compare observations as to their physical sensations. The others
agreed,--quite willingly, I thought,--but I refused. I had
determined to make a desperate attempt at candor, and Abel's fate
was fresh before my eyes.
"My nervous agitation increased during the day, and after sunset,
fearing lest I should betray my excitement in some way, I walked
down to the end of the promontory, and took a seat on the rocks.
The sky had cleared, and the air was deliciously cool and
sweet. The Sound was spread out before me like a sea, for the Long
Island shore was veiled in a silvery mist.
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