The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-09-07
WOMAN'S LOVE

n
Hawkins name Why, it is not for me to
saw. We were not accustomed to explain
uur motives or to give reasons for our deeds.
Tho deeds were enough. and this black cross
meant death; and when it had been shown
us all that we needed TO know further was
4, what hour we should meet for the con-
temf9ated raid. A word from the Captain
settled that, and when the next Friday came
dozen men met at the place Of rendezvous
ready for the ride which should bring them
to the JUDGES solitary mansion across the
mountains l was among them, and in as
satisfactory mood as had ever been in my
life, for the night was favorable and the men
hearty and in first-rate condition.
But after we had started and we're thread
ing certain wood l began to have doubts.
Feelings had never before experienced as
sailed me with force that first perpleXed
and then astOundcd NE. l was afraid, and
what rather heightened than diminish ed the
uuWonted sensation was the fact that l was
not afraid of anything tangible, either in
the present or future, but Of something I'M
explanable and peculiar, which, If 1t lay in
the skies, certainly made them look dark
indeed, and if it hid in the forest caused
its faintest murmur 10 seem like the utter
ance Of a great dread, as awful as II was in
applicable
nevertheless proceeded, and should have
done so had the great streaks Of lightning,
which now and then shot ZigZlg through
the sky, not taken the shape of words and
babe us all beware. l was not one to be
daunted, and knew no other course than
that of advance when once a stroke Of JUS
tice had been planned nd the direction for
Its fulfllment marked out. 1 went on, and
began t. think, and that to me was an ex-
peTience, for I had never been taught TO
rrfect-only to fight and obey.
The house toward which we were riding
was built on a hillside and the first thing
we saw on emerging from the forest was
light burning in one OF its distant windows
This was e surprise, for the hour was late
and in that part of the country people were
accustomed to retire early, even such busy
men as the Judge. He must have visitor
and n visitor meant possible complication
of affairs; so a halt was called and | was
singled out to TeCOnnOter the PREMISES.
| started of In a strange state of mind.
The fear had spoken of had left me, but
vague shadow remained, through which, as
through a mist, | saw the light in that far
away window beckOning ne on to what l
felt was in some way to make an end to
my present life. As | drew nearer to it the
feeling increased; then it, too, left me and l
found myself once more the daring avengeT.
This was when | came 10 the foot of the hill
and discovered l lad but few steps more
10 take.
The house, which had now become plainly
visible was a solid one Of stone, built as
have said on the hillside. 1t faced the road.
as shown by the large pOrticO dlmly to be
discerued in that direction, but its rooms
were mainly on the side, and it was from
one of these that the light shone AS 1
came yet nearer l perceived that these rooms
were guarded by piazza, which, communi-
eating with The porticO in front, afforded an
open road to that window and clear sight
If what lay behind il. | was instantly off
my horse and upon the piazza, and before I
lad time to realize that my fears had re-
turned to ME with double force, | had crept
Stealthily toward that uncurtalned window
and looked in.
What did l see2 At first nothing but a
calm, studious figure, bending above batch
Of closely written papers, upon which the
light shoue too brightly for me TO perceive
much Of what lay behind them. But Eradu-
ally an influence, of whose workings l was
scarce conscious, drew my eyes away and |
began t. discover on every side strange and
beautiful objects, which greatly interested
ne, until suddenly my eyes fell upon
vision of loYelness so enchanting that
forgot to look elsewhere and became for the
moment nothing but sight and feeling
1t was a picture, or So l thought in the first
instant of awe and delight. But presently
u
Of thoughts that had never been mine, and
at the discovery, a sudden trembling seized
me, for l had never seen anything like her
beauty, while she saw nothing but the man
who was bending over his papers. Theirs
was door or something dark bahind her,
and against it her tall strong figure, clad n
close white gown, stood out with dis
thickness that was not altogether earthly.
But it was her face that held me and made
of me from moment TO moment a new man.
= I Il 49, Il
lievrd in till now, devotion that had no
limit and love which asked nothing in re-
turn. She seemed to be faltering on the
threshold Of that room, as one who would
like to enter, but does not dare, and in an
other moment, with a smile that pierced me
through, she turned as if to go. Instantly L
forgot everything but my despair. and
leaned forward with an impetuuslty that
BETRAYED my presence. She glanced quickly
toward the window, and seeing me, turned
pale, even while she rose in height till | felt
myself shrink ana grow small before her.
Thrusting out her hand she caught from
the table before her what looked like
small dagger, and holding 1t up, advanced
upon me with blazing eyes and parted lips,
not seeing that tie Judge had risen to his
feet, not seeing anything but my face glued
against the pane, and staring with an ex-
preston that must have struck to the heart
as surely as her look pierced mine. When
she was almost upon me l turned and fed.
He'll could not have frightened me, but
Heaven did and for me that woman was
Heaven, whether she smiled or frowned,
gazed upon another with love, or raised
dagger 10 strike me to Inc ground.
How soon l met my mates can not say.
In few minutes, doubtless, for they had
stolen after me and had detected me run
ming away from the window; l was forced
To tell my tale, and told it unhesitatingly.
for l knew l could not save hm-if
wanted tO-and | asked that she be spared
not only from sharing his fate, but from
the sight of his death, for she loved him.
This from mel No wonder the Captain
stared. then laughed. But did not laugh
in return, and being the strongest man in
the band and the surest with my rife he
did not triie long, but listened to my plans
and in part consented to them, so that re-
treated to my post at the gateway with
preaching the door, lifted the knOcker and
let it fall with resoundng clang that must
have rung like knell Of death to the hearts
within.
For the Judge knew our errand; saw it
in his face when he rose to his feet, and he
had no hope, for we had never failed in our
attempts, and the house though strongly
built, was easily assailable.
While the Captain knocked, three men
had scaled the portico and we're ready to
enter the windows if the Judge refused to
was known as the Captains will.
Death to the Judged" was the CRY, and
1t was echoed not only at thesdoor but
around tile house, where the rest of the men
had drawn a Gordon ready to waylay any
one who sought To escape. Death to the
Judgel And the Judge was loved by that
woman and would be mOurned by her till
But voice is speaking, voice from out
that great house, and it asks what is wanted
and what the meaning Of these threats of
death.
And the Captain answers short and sharp
1.-THE Regulator commands, but he never
explains. What he commands now is for
Judge Hawkins to come forth. II he shrinks
OF delays his home will be entered and
burned, but If he will come out and meet
ike man what awaits him his house shall
e. free and his family unmolested"
sand what is 1t that awaits hm?" pur-
sued thu voice.
-Four bullets from our unerring rifles"
returned the Captain.
sit is we'll; he will come FORTH" cried the
voice, and then in huskier voice: LET me
kiss the woman love. / will not keep you
long,"