Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1896-01-31
miscellaneous.
WOMAN'S SAVING HAND.

lie was ruined. AS he lett the gam.
bling house on Kearney street, San
Francisco, and wandered out into Gold
en- Gate park he had absolutely not a
dollar in his pockets wherewith to pur-
chase lodging Or a meal The down
cast profile was clear cut and firm, argu-
ing powerful individuality in its owner.
and yet mania had seized him as il
had seized many a weakers man, and he
had staked his all and lost
The moonlight touched his bowed
head softly, silvered tho outlines of his
figure and revealed his haggard white
ness.
1t fell on something else--something
that glittered in his hands like steel
Stop! Don't do that p
Ii was woman's voice that spoke, a
woman's touch that rested lightly on his
sleeve, woman's great dusky eyes, set
in face such as one sees but seldom
in lifetime, which were raised to his.
She had strolled out to enjoy the beauty
of the evening, and, absorbed in medi-
tation, had wandered farther than she
knew.
The mans arm dropped to his side.
He looked up at her in silence, wonder
ing, admiring, perhaps little ashamed.
why did you want to do itr pur.
sued the gentle voice. docs life seem
so evil thing to your
81 have been u fool-a mailman !
am ruined p
But you are man You can work.
You can regain all you have lost ("
He shook his had.
81 cannot find employment here, and
| haven't the means to return to my
home, in Chicago
Her hand slipped into her pocket and
out again Adroitly she drew the pistol
away from him and pressed something
into his hand in its place.
"See, have bought this thing of
you" she said, hurriedly, "You need
not feel too grateful. Christians should
help each other. If you want TO repay
me, swear to yourself that you will never
do-what you attempted just now. |
must leaAe you now Good-by"
And she was gone before he could
stay or thank her-swallowed up and
lost in the shadow Of the trees.
"Miss Ferris, allow me to introduce
you to Mr.. Fergus Landeck."
The first time they had met alone I'M
der the stars, in San Francisco now
they were amid fashionable gathering
in the home Of one of the railroad mag
mates in New York. She was in evening
dress, with diamonds sparkling on her
throat and in her hair.
For an instant she returned his gaze,
questioning, perplexed; then there was
flash of recognition, and he saw she
knew.
will you take me into the conserva-
tory, Mr.. Landeck 1t is so warm
here"
They left the ballroom and strolled
under the domed glasshouse where the
palms and lilies grew.
you have not forgotten, then p
1t was his voice, low and tremulous,
which broke the silence
"No; nor you, it seems
"There are moments in mans life
which he never forgets. That was one
Of them. De you know | have often
wondered whether we should ever meet
again, and dared not indulge hope
until this evening, when for tho first
time learned your name Miss Fer
ris, shall we sit down for awhile am
very grateful for this opportunity of
speaking to you alone ! want want
to return to you, with many thanks, the
the gift you gave me five years ago
All, don't say no The obligation un-
der which you placed me will none the
less exist, and-aud shall always keep
the little purse. always--in remem-
brance Of that highland you "
Fortune has evidently favored you
SINCE" she said, after pause.
yes, fortune has indeed favored me,
Miss Ferris Your gift was like the en-
chanted purses in the childrcn's fairy
tales bottomless IL enabled me to
reach the home of my parents in Chi
cago. | became a reformed man, and
soon secured employment as secretary
to the manager Of a car construction
company in Detroit. by industry and
thrift l saved little money. With il
| bought land in rising town Of North
Dakota. The starting Of big factory
there gave the town a boom, and the
land had bought for few hundred
dollars I was able to dispose Of for $685.,
900. | engaged in other speculations
exercising my best judgment, and every
thing touched seemed to turn to gold
whatever did was right Money cam
to me in tens of thousands ! am 10
day worth 5000, 900, aud if It bad 20
been for you | should be lying il a sui
cide's grave"
Something glistened on her lashes
She dropped her eyes and toyed will
the feathers Of her fan.