Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1888-11-01
CHAPTER XIII.
AN EvENTFUL NIGHT.

The gas lamps were like dim. yellow DlufS
against the thickened atmosphere, and the
electric lights were like hazy moons. The
sound Of footsteps and the rattle Of vehicles
were muffied; cold blasts whistled about
the corners; there would be hard freezing
by and by, and bitter discomfort for all who
had TO face the inclement night.
Norris did not mind the cold, but he
plunged along at a great pace, intending TO
take street car for the avenue, but had
not yet reached the line when he stopped
suddenly, as a sharp cry, followed by a
deep groan, came TO his ear.
The sounds proceeded from side street
near at hand, and remembering his own ex-
perlence In that dark a,iey. he ran toward
the place, TO find a black heap upon the
sidewalk, which lay silent as he APP
preached.
'What is tho matter hore. Are you hurtl
What has happened TO your
I'll slipped and fell, answered gasp
ing voice. 'sDon't call any one. please. III
be-able to get p-after-awhile.
81 doubt it, was Norris mental COM
ment. The thin, white face he was able to
descry through the gloom was so wan and
ghost-lil1e, the slender frame of the man so
attenuated beneath his thin clothing, that
the other had no doubt of this being one Of
those cases Of miserable de.titution in
which pride has its part, making its victims
shrink from any thing in the guise Of char
ity.
81 fear you have seriously injured your
SELF he said. IS a moan forced itself from
the man lips. - | win hare an ambulance
called, it viii be the best plan; there is no
disgrace in being taken TO the hospital,
and you viii have proper care
"For Gods sake don't painted this
strange su.zerer, elinging with a des-
perate clutch TO he othcr's clothing. go
away and leave me | Will do very well,
but promise promise not TO send any
one.n
Norris could only soothe his agitation by
giving his promise end presently, with his
assistance. the poor .eliolv strur glcd upon his
feet. Every momcgt was agony TO him,
yet he maintained hat he would be able TO
get TO his home he was obliged to the
gentleman he would do quito well now.
"You are so far from doing well that l
shall get hack as soon as we reach tho
next street and send you home in it,n said
Norris, resolutely Come. lean on me for
few steps. Your foolish pride shall not
keep me from doing this much ] would go
along to see you safely there only that ] am
pressed for time.n
The gaunt figure was ell Of a tremble
either with cold or terror; he resisted with
all his strength as Norris made an effort TO
lead him toward the thoroughfare.
twill not-you shall not Do you want
to ruin met Can not you see that | am
afraid-afraid Of being knownl / never
asked you to help me; don't want you to
stay with me. Why will you prosecute me
sol Oh, good sir do not be angry with me,
but leave me as | ask
do you mean that YOU have been guilty
Of some criminal act.H asked Norris, stern
". "Well. even at that. | don't think can
leave you here to freeze TO death. Tell me
where YOU wish to go TO this home which
you are so confident of reaching If / leave
you to yourself. Have you such a refuge
left open 10 you, or is that fabricationW
.Indeed, there is such place. At least,
II ,cds stopping there, and ! don't think
they will refuse to take me in now. It's
not very far"
Then take my arm. Now lead the way.
must get you 10 some shelter, and it may
as well be there il the place is near"
Their progress was necessarily slow.
The stranger leaned heavily VI Norris
arm, moving with painful and dragging
steps, but protesting against any pause,
though his breathing came thick and
heavy. and his overtasGed strength seemed
to be giving way. Through by-ways, by a
dark and devious course, they came at last
into narrow street which was crowded
with small shops, mostly Of secondhand
wares, ill-smeliiag clothing stores and
noisy saloons. At the side entrance of one
of these latter they finally paused, when
Norris patience has become almost ex-
hausted.
"rll not ask you to come in, sir. It's not
a place where a gentleman would care to be
seen, nor whore one would be safe at all
times. You have heen-very-kind.n
" Well, good night 2 said Norris, thrust
ing his hand into his pocket, but before be
could make up his mind to offer the coin
which he held between his fingers, the door
was flung back from within and an irate
figure appeared in the hight of a smoky,
kerosene lamp which dimly Illuminated
the srnall, bare hall and narrow stairway
inside.
"Bedad, and Is it yersilf back, Miller,
loilxe the bad penny We arei Not fut yen
put beyant me doorstip till We pays me the
boord yez are OWN, dye moind, onless
we've a friend wild yez''-his voice changing
as he caught sight of the figure back of his
lodger-a as viii stand good for the 'rears.
I'll not be hard wild We, me lad, and it's
little Mike MalouCy WIND molnd the bite