Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-09-23
CHAPTER XIII,
AN EVENTFUL NIGHT

The air was full Of soft snow-hal1os when | Norris again found himself in the street. l The gas lamps were like dim, yellow blurs l against the thickcned atmosphere, and the
 electric lights were like hay moons. The
 sound of footsteps and tho rattle of vehicles
 were mufffed; 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 sharp cry, followed by a deep groan, came to his ear.
 The sounds proceeded from side street near at hand, and remembering his own OK perience in that dark alley, he ran toward the place, to find black heap upon the l sidewalk, which lay silent as he ap- preached.
 'What is the matter heres Are you hurt? What has happened to yous'
 'I-1 slipped and fell," answered gasp ing voice. "Don't call any one, please. I'll be-able-to get up-after-aWhile.'
 "1 doubt it," was Norris mental com ment. The thln, white face he was able to descry through the gloom was so wan and ghost-ike, 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 Restitution in which pride has it's part, making it's victims shrink from any thing in the guise of char ity.
 II fear you have seriously injured your- self" he said, as a moan forced itself from the mans lips. "I will have an ambulance called, it will be the best plan; there is no disgrace i'll being taken to the hospital, and you will have proper care"
 "For Gods sake-don't,'' panted this strange sufferer, clinging with des- perate clutch to the others clothing. "Go away and leave me. I will do very well. but promlse-promise-no to send-any- one."
 Norris could only soothe his agitation by giving his prom ise, and presently, with his assistance, the poor fellow struggled upon his feet. Every moment was agony to him, yet he maintain ed that he would be able to get to his home: he was obliged to the gentleman, he would do quite well now
 You are so far from doing well that I shall get hack as soon as we reach the next street and send you home in it." said Norris, resolutely. Come, lean on me for a few steps. Your foolish pride shall not keep me from doing this much. I would go along to see you safely there, only that am pressed for time"
 The gaunt figure was all of tremble either with cold or terror; he resisted with all his strength as Norris made an effort to lead him toward the thoroughfare.
 "I will not-you shall not! Do you want to ruin mes Can mot you see that am afraid-afraid of being knowna I never 1 asked you to help me; don't want you to stay with me. Why will you prosecute mo sos Oh, good sir, do not be angry with me, but leave me as ask.'' 1
 Do you mean that you have been guilty | of some criminal act?" asked Norris, stern | ly. "Well, even at that, I don't think can | leave you here to freeze to death. Tell me | where you wish to go-to this home which | you arc so confident of reaching if leave |