Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-12-09

asked rather more gently. 'Henny mes
sage. miss"
No." said Perseverance in a dazed
fashion. And turning she went slowly
down the steps. She heard the door shut
behind her, and il seemed to her excited
fancy that the door Of hope had closed
upon her.
"What shall I dos Where shall I
go:" over and over said the girl as she
walked aimlessly along. no. needing
whittier she was going. Tho idea that
Mrs Verplanck might be out Of town
had never entered her ignorant little
head. She had schooled herself TO meet
a chilling reception. but had relied on
the hope that Mrs. Verplanck would ad-
wise her where to go and what to do.
Now she was completely at sea.
She had walked long way, bewil-
dered ard quite oblivious Of her bear
ings. Suddenly looking Up. she saw q
sign, Ladies Restaurant, ard realiz-
ing that she was quite faint from hun
ger went in. 1t was a long, low room.
filled with small tables. at which sat
parties of men and women, eating and
drinking. Perseverance was SO weary
and hungry she paid little attention to
the people, but slipped into 4 quiet cor
ner and ordered the greasy waiter to
bring her some tea and bread and but
ter. The man stared insolently at her
as he took her order and stuck his
tongue in his cheek as he turned away.
Many people looked at the fresh
checked, sorrcwful faced girl as she sat
there alone, but none stared harder than
group ut the next table. Two women
with harsh faces and blondined hair
We're drinking beer with a couple of
flashily dressed and loud voiced men.
They eyed Perseverance closely and
whispered together. Presently one Of
the women rose and coming over to tho
girl Gaid:
whats wrong, dearie? You look as
if You were in trouble"
Perseverance look ID up, and, although
she did not like the woman's scarlet
cheeks aud beery breath, still her voice
was kind, and the girl felt so utterly
alone she was glad to speak to any one.
In the most artless fashion she answer
ed the wonan's questions until the lat
ter had drawn her story from her.
"Well, now," said the blond, "what
a pity! BIT never mind, Ill take care
Of you. You come home with me, and
I'll make you perfectly comfortable,
and l know of nice position You can
have as companion" ana che winked
at her party; lovely place and good
wages
"How very kind you arer' said Per-
severance, always with an uneasy feel
ing. as she noticed the dress and man.
ner of her newly found friend.
| YES" went on the other. "I'll be q
mother to you. poor child! Bill" to
one of her gentlemen friends, "you call
a cab. and when the little lady has fin
ished her luncheon I'll take her home
| with rne."
Perseverance followed her friend to
the door, still with that feeling Of inse-
curly; Int, singularly unsophisticated
even for country girl, she never real
lied her danger. However. some one
else did. A slim, alert, sharp eyed,
well dressed man saw the pair go out
He gave one quick glance, left his
luncheon untasted and followed them.
| Perseverance hesitated ut the open
door of the cab.
Hurry up. DEAR" said the woman.
''Oh, no" said cold voice. "Come
now, Jennie, none Of this. You leave
this girl alone. Don't get in the cab.
daughter. You're from the country? l
thought so. Be quiet, Jennie. If you
make row, I'll run you in"
L
ried away, leaving Perseverance, white
and trembling, facing the steely eyed
man.
my dear child" said he, don't
you know better than to trust yourself
with woman of that character
81 didn't know" faltered the girl.
"She was so kind
| Sure" said the man, "but be care
full. That woman was taking you to
your ruin"
bat how did you know hers' gasp.
cd the girl as he turned back to the res
taurant.
''Oh, I know everybody" he said
lightly. That's my business. Now,
you go over to tie Young women's
Christian association in Sixteenth
street. They ought to look after you
there. See, there's Broadway. Go
straight Up till You come to Sixteenth
and turn to the left, and il they haven't
get more red tape than religion there
you'll find secure place. Goodby.
Good luck"
PLEASE tell me who you are" said
Perseverance. II want to know who il
is that takes such an interest in .
friendless girl"
Never mind my name" said he,
smiling. I'm police detective. Z" And
he lifted his hat and was gone.
"A police detective, repeated Per-
severance. How kind he was and what
lesson I've learned
Her spirits rebounded from the effect
OF her recent unpleasant experience. and
she hurried on to the door of the Young
Women's Christian association She
J stated her GRAND to the haIlboy, who
said listlessly. Fifth story" and Per.
severance took her FIRST ride in an eleva.
! tor.
| She vaa rnce;vad ~ . "a =