Shifting Sands (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ...a course that is distasteful. Pardon me for momentarily appearing to threaten you. Let us see how the case stands. You are trying to find the treasure hidden many years ago on the Luce place. That is what brought you to Metucket. Well, I came here for exactly the same purpose. You are well to do; so am I. You have felt the clutch of greed; so have I. You have been led by it to step outside your dignified profession and dig in the ground like a common laborer, or, let us say, a miner. I--well, I have some scratches on my face and sundry bruises upon my body to testify to the hold greed had upon me." "Why don't you analyze yourself as fully as you analyze me?" impatiently asked the doctor. "Why not admit that you were not only led to invade my land and dig in the ground, but that you were also led to break into my house by way of a second story wondow" "Dr. Dalrymple " cried Gregory. "I actually could pardon the attempt you made last night," continued the doctor, heedless of the interruption, "if it were the first time this greed to which you confess had made a thief of you. But as you put yourself on the level with common criminals by entering my house to steal, my whole inclination is to turn you over to the law." "And I," returned Gregory, seemingly suppressing his anger with difficulty, "would pardon your outrageous language if you chose to take advantage of my offer. I understand you to refuse." "Most emphatically. The idea is monstrous in its absurd audacity." "Very well. I presume, then, that the engagement for a drive and for luncheon together is off." Dr. Dalrymple, exasperated by Gregory's impudence, turned to Cameron, and was surprised and puzzled to see ...