River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1896-02-20

dened h. m almost todesperation to have
to sit quietly and chatter small talk to
little Miss GIazer-whO, by the way,
was enjoying his attentions immensely.
30 aft they had returned TO the hotel,
he proceeded TO make fool of himself.
Meeting Neville in the mems dress
inc room he Kissed between his
cIenched teeth:
'rH have il out wit you for this,
Mr.. Neville"
For v hat ?" queried that gentleman,
in his most urbane manner.
'You know, sir. Your attent pms to
Miss Payne are"
'.Ah, indeed" quote Mr.. Neville. sheer
ingly. IF Miss Payne prefers my at
tentions to yours, it is her privilege, l
believe" and he turned away with a
look of SUPREME contempt at his jeal-
GUS rival, who clencked his fists and
looked, for an instant, as if he would
use them, bUt wisely thought better
oil it, and walked in the other direction.
lie walked straight into the presence
of Mrs Haskins. TO whom he declared
his intentions of refusing utterly to
take any part in The tableauX or the
subsequent proceedings. and to that
!adv's protest that ID was childish he
answered that such might be the case.
hut that he could not. in justice to him
self, take part with Miss Payne in any
thing. and that he was going home i'm
n.ediately. lie knew that he had NOR
tally offended Mrs. lIaslSins, but that
was immaterial. His sole desire was
To get away from Gladys presence, aud
he was resolved to ger away from Mill
stcn, too, by the very first train going
anywhere.
Therefore, he made his curt adieux.
and hiring the care-taller's saddle
horse he dashed off towards town, his
whole being animated with rage and
despair, and his brain filled with just
that one idea-to get away as far as
possible. But, by the time he had
reached the top of Four-Mile noun
tain the chill air and the active motion
90 riding had Gained him somewhat.
and he drew rein and looked back.
Heavens, What was that? From
the roof of the hotel. from all the win
lows ON the west side of the build
ing. he could see, through the clear
moonlight. dense volume of smoke
pouring-and, as he looked, the flames
urst out in places, and aagry Tongues
of fire shot forth here and there.
Tom Enright Eesitated for Dne dazod
second-the next he was dashi,g back
down the road at the top of his
horses speed.
The front yard was full of people
when he galloped up. but first glance
showed him no sign of Gladys,
"Where is she? Where's Gladys
Miss Payne?" he asked of those nearest
him, as he leaped from his horse. And
as though in response, came tie wild.
despairing cry:
tom, Tom. Save me-"
After Mrs. Haskias had announced
10 her the sudden departure of her jeal.
Gus lover, Gladys, who had been break
ing her heart aii the evening, gave way
utterly, and a. once went upstairs TO
have her cry out-aEd there she iay
utterly oblivious of all that went on
about her. until the crash of falling
timbers, the cracking of flames and the
smoke rushing under the door reused
her from h.r apathy. 1t was too late.
she thought, to escape by the door-thC
smoke ~as almost suffocating her even
with the door closed-and she rushed
to the window. threw it open ard lifted
her voice i'm that wild cry:
"rOm."
What did he care for flames and
smoke. or for any lind of danger, with
that cry ringing IN his ears? With one
bound he was inside the door, and
though half-Einded before be bad hall
reached the upper hall, CROPPED ouward,
trying door after door, until, nj last
he found her. and She tainted IN his
arms. How he ever got her safely out
| he never knew, but get her GU. he did
and when she opened her eyes. half an
hour later, IL was TO lind herself on the
sofa in a nearby farmhouse, with
| Toms arms about her and Toms kisses
raining on her face.
Darling" she whispered, do yeu
think YOU can forgive me?'
| MY sweetest Martha" he answered
smilingly, - cannot tell a he'-you
know l do"
She lifted her face to be kissed.
as the sarrsr der lncendi.ional9 2
asked Tom. presently.
! "Yes, DEER"