The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-10-14
out it would be rash madness.

asmuch as | am very hungry, and there
is nothing in the house to eat, think it
rather matter of necessity than of
choice. Besides, I would rather have
an open insult than Hugh Won Trenck's
magnanimous interference. Have no
fear, auntie. am quite able to take
care of myself.
And in spite Of the elder ladys en-
treaties and with good-by kiss and q
reassuring smile, she was gone.
| But the smile faded as she stood on
the Threshold of the outside door and
glanced up and down the street. The
color of Ter cheek paled to whiteness,
and her heart beat loud and fast.
She almost determined to turn back,
when someone standing at her elbow,
said in tones so earnest as to be nearly
harsh, "Did your aunt not receive my
warning?' 1t was Hugh Won Trenck
who spoke.
care you in authority in this house,
over all it's inmates y she questioned at
once. of we are your prisoners let us
know it. YOU can then enforce your
wishes
"You do me injustice, nladeinoiselle,'
he replied, in low, thrilling tones.
~ beg Of you for your own sake, not
for mine, not to venture out this morn
ing
Your prayers and commands are all
one to me, sir" she retorted.
The next minute she had gained the
street, fear forgotten in her indignant
anger. With quick step she fastened
in the necessary direction. Beyond a
rude stare of admiration she was un-
molested, and her few purchases effected.
She started to return, when coming
Immediately toward her. extending from
! the curb to the wall, was line of Prus-
sian soldiers, arm linked in arm, their
steps unsteady from liquor, and their
voices raised in laughter and song.
What should she do? She feared to
turn and flee, lest they should pursue
her. Perhaps by hiding her tremor and
walking boldly on they might make
room for her to pass. Herr Won Trenck's
hated advice rang in her ears. She
should hate him trebly if it proved un-
necessary. But now all the soldiers
eyes were turned upon here, as they
stood, an impossible phalanx, barring
her way.
"Pay US toll, my pretty little Fran
caise," said one, fastening his coarse gaze
upon her.
'"Yes pay us toll, the others echoed.
ga kiss apiece"
Concealing the awful sinking at her
heart, she strove to pass them by step
ping down from the curb, but the out
side man and first speaker threw out his
arms to prevent her escape.
mo, no p ne said, in freezing tones.
''You are our prisoner and we let you of
easy. Pay us willingly, and we will
prove as good as our word. Drive US to
force and we'll help ourselves"
To scream would be but to gather
around her fresh tormentors, so she
struggled TO appear calm.
"Let me pass" she said, in low, indig.
nant tones, when, without deigning fur
Their parley, the trst speaker threw his
arm around her waist
She felt his tainted breath upon her
face. Oh, God. must her lips be pollut-
ed by his touch
With sudden strength she wrenched
herself from his grasp, the brutal laugh
of the others jeering on her ears.
A scream, lound and long, burst from
her lips, followed by another and another,
as her prosecutors again approached,
when as if by magic, some one darted
in between them and felled the ruffian
to the earth.
The Others, bold with drink, muir
INJURED angrily, but cleaning pistol
soon silenced them, even as they recog-
nized their young colonel and respect
fully went away.
Calling a guard, ne put the man he
held under his heel in arrest, then turned
and offered his arm to the trembling
girl.
She saw then, for the first time, it
was Hugh Won Trenck who saved her.
Haughti!y refusing his arm, hating her.
self, hating him more, she walked on in
silence by his side. At her door she
forced herself to speak ''Sir, owe you
my thanks" she said.
"Mademoiselle, the day will come
when you will pay me your debt in
full" he replied and left her.
What did he mean His words, the