“I can’t make un out,” repeated Jamie.
And Doctor Joe must needs approach within six feet of Jamie before the lad could see them sufficiently well to count them.
When the test was made, Doctor Joe without a word donned his cap and passed out of doors and strode away, up the path and into the forest, and on and on.
Suddenly he stopped, and holding his clenched fist out at arm’s length watched it closely.
“As steady as ever it was!” he said at length. “Perhaps I can do it! If only I haven’t lost my skill! If only I could forget those years and that horrible failure.”
For a little he stood silent, beads of perspiration on his forehead.
“I can’t do it,” he said at length, and turning slowly retraced his steps toward The Jug.
He stopped again, however, as the cabin came into view, and for a long time stood deep in thought.
“But I must do it—there’s no other way!” he finally exclaimed with determination. And, turning his back on The Jug, he strode rapidly away toward Break Cove.
It was nearly four hours later when Doctor Joe reappeared at The Jug, with a packet under his arm.