Page:Restless Earth.djvu/128

curled up in restless slumber, their faces shielded from the morning light by hats, handkerchiefs, or newspapers.

Here a young mother, squatting behind an outspread overcoat, fed a two-weeks-old baby at her breast, while her husband, who held the garment, glared challengingly at all who approached.

In the centre of a sneering and apathetic group, a bare-headed fanatic waved an open Bible and called upon the people of this modern Sodom to repent.

“The end of the world is at hand!” he cried at the top of his voice. “Repent! Repent! The Angel of Death comes with a flaming sword. The goats will be divided from the sheep before another sun shall set. I say unto ye, Repent of your sins, and ye shall be gathered into the Kingdom!”

Here and there showed restless red cap-bands and bonnet-ribbons, where the Salvation Army, putting actions before words in this moment of distress, lived up to its reputation for good works.

And the sea sparkled brilliantly upon the one hand, immutable; and upon the other roared the flames which forever changed and destroyed.

****

In this farrago of distracted humanity, James Harley searched for his wife and child in vain.

He combed the beach from end to end, at first with confident patience, at last with terrifying doubt.

He enquired for them ceaselessly, and his inquiries were invariably met with impatient negatives. He intruded upon families who pointedly resented his presence; he disturbed sleepers who cursed him; he stayed hurrying rescuers who upbraided him for a fool; he hurried here and there as he caught glimpses of women and children who resembled those for whom he searched; he peered beneath every improvised shelter; and at noon-time he despaired.

Again he sat upon the cracked sea-wall, his shoulders hunched, his hands thrust into his pockets,