Chapter IX
THE GRAVE IN THE SHADOWS
When they reached the clearing in front of the coquina house, the coroner, who had accomplished the journey in silence, promulgated his last order. Miller guessed it was that which had so affected Molly.
“I forgot to tell you,” the coroner said, “the law’s clear. The burial must take place by sundown.”
“To-day!” Miller cried.
“What day do you think?”
“Wait a minute,” Miller said. “I don’t believe there’s any clergyman in Sandport. Is there?”
The coroner snickered.
“We’re mostly peaceful fishermen over there. Don’t need such things. Now and then on a Sunday night a young preacher drops down from Martinsburg.”
“But this isn’t Sunday,” Miller said.
“If you mean you want one for the ceremony,” the coroner answered brutally, “there ain’t a chance
