"The priest was impressed by this view of the matter, which could not but appeal successfully to a man's calm reason.
"'What can I do?' he asked. 'If a man is determined not to speak, I have no power to compel him.'
"'It is in your power,' I said, 'to prevent bloodshed.'
"'Bloodshed!' he echoed, in a startled tone.
"'Nothing less, I fear,' I said. 'Lay an injunction upon the villagers not to lend that man a boat, and not, under any pretext, to row him to the lighthouse.'
"'What dreadful thoughts do your words suggest!' exclaimed the priest. 'They alarm and bewilder me.'
"'I am not at liberty to say more at the present moment,' I said. 'I shall not leave the village to-day. I myself will see that man's brother, and will obtain permission from him to reveal all I know. Meanwhile give not that soul-tossed wretch the opportunity of carrying out a scheme of ruthless vengeance which he has harboured for years.'
"'Tell me explicitly what you wish me to do.'
"'I have already told you. That man, with the connivance or assistance of any person in this village, must not be enabled to get to the lighthouse.'
"'He shall not,' said the priest.