Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-12-16

ruptly.
''The storm may last two or three hours,
the snow get very deep and the cold in
tense. can stand it, no doubt, because
am strong, but you-you"-the deep voice
was little uncertain here, and the two
hands that had involuntarily grasped hel
arms as he had turned frightened convul-
sively-'you are delicate, you know
He did not finish, but before he turned
his head away the same look came into his
eyes again-the same, only little differ
ent this time. There was no mistaking It,
He might rs well have said in so many
words, 81 love your
Madge's heart gave great bound, and
then came rush of tenderness toward the
man who, as she had just discovered,
would lay down his life to save hers. His
strange mood was all clear to her now
And her own feelings were revelation
that almost shocked her. The hours she
mad spent with him were the shortest and
sweetest she had ever known. She re-
called the sense of security and of restful-
ness that his voice and presence always
gave; the truthfulness and earnestness of
his character; his constant and watchful
devotion to her. which she had carelessly
overlooked as mere gallantry; his exclama-
ton and strange conduct that mooulit
dropped her engagement ring and he had
first guessed that she was pledged to an
other.
And it was inevitable that with the
swiftness of thought she should compare
him with that other one in the east, with
his boyish face, effeminate manner and su-
percilious air of superiority, to whom, in
their college days, she had bound herself.
1t startled her, for she had never before
thought him effeminate or supercilious,
and she felt guilty
These thoughts hurried through her brain
as she stood waiting while Bob was endeav-
oring to discover through the whirling
whiteness some familiar landmark. Some
how she could not feel very much alarmed
with him by her side after all, notwith-
standing his words. She realized now,
however, that she was very cold and very
faint, and that the pressure about her
chest was growing heavier. The wind had
risen again and the snow WAS beating an
grily against their faces, as though it
wished TO blind them.
Barker was by nature hopeful, persist
ent and pugnacious, with a cool, quick
brain in any physical emergency, and with
increasing resistance to increased obsta-
Giles, but he could scarcely see his hand be-
fore his face. The trail had long since
been obliterated. and he was utterly at a
loss what direction to take or what to do
except that Miss Chamberlain must be
kept moving, if possible to keep off that
deathly chill until help should come or the
storm should lift His own teeth would be
chattering as hers were but for his indom-
ita BILE will. He knew that She relied upon
him and did not realize the danger. But
would it not be better to impress the truth
upon her? Would she not rise to the
emergency and fight to the bitter end?
Her action at the moment decided him
instantly. She had YEARLY sunk upon a
log and was resting her face upon her
hands. He sprang to her and said with
decision;
Miss Chamberlain, you must not give
way like that. You must realize that we
are in great danger and that if we let the
cold benumb us we are lost"
Her pleading answer sent a great throb
of fear through his heart, for it made plain
to him that she was already under the in
f1uence of that awful spell which, like the
charming of the snake, makes the APP
proach of death seem like dream.
Il am not cold now, but so tired The
storm will soon be over and they will come
for us. Please wait here!'
Action was needed now He had his vest
left. Without a word he wrenched that
Off, lifted her to her feet, unbuttoned the
coat that was around her, took it off, forced
the vest upon her, not needing the feeble
motion with which she waved it away
fastened it, replaced the coat and hurried
her forward through the storm-anywhere
anywhere, he cared not where. But they
went only short distance, when she tot
| nj all .,
her hands convulsively TO her bosom and
uttered an exclamation of pain. He put
his arm closer around her, her head dropped
heavily upon his shoulder and her voice
came in a whisper
Il can hardly breathe. am too weak to
walk. Leave me here, and if you can I get
help, save yourself"
All restraint was gone now. He pressed
her close to him with both arms and kissed
her again and again.
Leave you, Madge, when l brought you
here? Leave all | care for on earthf ]
love you, love you, child! God forgive
me for saying so, but can't help it"
She drew herself back from him an in.
slant, the color famed again into the white
| face, the big eyes looked full into his, then
| closed slowly as she put ont her arms like
a tired child and was taken back into his
embrace. He bent down closer to catch
the words:
and l love you, Robertl Surely Their,
| can be no harm in confessing it now. with
death so near. | was not sure until thi:
| afternoon. God cannot blame me for tell
ing you so. We will both soon be before
him, and he will judge. Kiss me goodby
dear. am so tired!"
He covered her long, dark eyelashes-hel
cold, blue lips-her moist hair-her marble
like cheeks and forehead with passionat,
kisses. Her feeble clasp about his necl
strengthened a little, and she smiled gently
The swirling snow and the wailing winC
were nothing to him now. He raised hi
head, and underneath the joyous triumph
in his eyes there was desperate glitter a
as he glanced about him.
Deathl Who talked of DEATH The,
should not die there like rats in a hole
Life was sweet to him now. The futur
was bright. She loved him and she wa
his by right. Was there no escape from
this biting cold and pitiless snow? H