The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-12-09

for he turned the light of his lantern
upon the couple, though at the same
time seeing no cause for interference,
he drew back few PAGES and sur
veyed the scene with watchful majesty.
Philo's companion whispered to him to
get into the cab. While he obeyed she
said few words to the cabman, then
she got in in her turn and the cab drove
briskly Off Philo could hear his COM
panion give a sigh of relief, and in the
next moment he felt his hand caught
in hers In pressure that implied a
very great sense Of gratitude.
1t was only after the cab was in mo-
ton that Ames seemed to realize the
peculiarity of his position and the
whimsicality, to say the least, of the
whole amazing expedition. With the
rapidity that thought permits in mo-
ments of extremity he contrasted two
pictures-the one of Philo Ames seated
in the comfort of the st. Stephens club,
with delicious memory of green cura-
Goa stimulating his fancy and the at
mOsphere of Amber Pasha's wonderful
cigarettes charming his mind; the other.
OF Philo Ames on this raw. .windwhipped
night, driving in a hanson cab along
a course which seemed the very abomi-
nation of desolation, by the side of q
woman whom he had never seen five
rlinutes before. and who, IL she was
certainly strangely beautiful, was no
less strangely eccentric, and who OPEN
ed casual acquaintance by perplexing
questions as to the price her companion
set upon his life. Philo felt that 1t was
his duty as more or less sensible and
more or less reputable citizen to come
to some understanding with the divine
enigma by his side. 1t was. he assured
himself. absurd. and worse than absurd,
to be thus drifting about London in the
society of a creature as lovely as vis-
ion. yet who might be either danger
Gus lunatic or 10 less dangerous de-
coy.
His heated mood fired his tongue to
fantasy that seemed apt to the hour and
the woman.
We'll, sweet minion of the moon," he
said, with a laugh, docs your driver
know the way to the Brocken? Your
witchhood might at least have offered
me a lift on broomstick."
The woman had her face turned to
him; he could see her quite plainly in
the lampliglit cab, and he saw that her
eyes and her lips gave back his laugh
ter, and that II she was lovely in aus
terity she was yet more lovely in mirth.
This common cab will serve our
turn" she said. softly, and her voice
now sounded sweeter with the assur-
ance 1t seemed to derive from the de-
meanor of her companion. I'VE shall
not fare far tonight"
May not at least know whittier the
wind of your whim will watt our spir-
its?" Ames began. in tone which he
intended to be wholly playful, but into
which. in spite of himself, he could not
help allowing a suggestion of anxiety
to intrude. ITO what star do we steer
our course?"
The woman shook her head.
Surely" she said. $50 loyal cava-
licr and so courageous a gentleman as
y"U Is content to follow unquestioning
the lady who honors him with her com.
mands?" Her voice suddenly changed,
and wns almost disdainful as she went
on But II, you are. not. you have but
T., say the word and we can part here
and now. Stop the cab IT, you wish.
I shall have lost an Illusion, and you will
have lost one of those opportunities of
adventure which you are tabled to de-
sire perhaps something more. But in
life we are always losing Illusions ana
Shall l set you DOWN."
Spurred by the sneer In her speech,
Philo's fancy galloped out Of sight Of |
out Of sound of the call of |
prudence.
Let US say no more about IT," he
said, coolly. Lead on. I'll follow thee.
Please consider that am your most
-obedient servant to conn
mand''
Then she leant her face towards him
while she whispered her thanks. and
he. fascinated BY her pallor. and the |
perfume In her hair, and the madness |