The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-02-13
DIPLOMACY.

G 1O cOluc III QuOt 1tt6 cuCiuCI hOltl ba0
storm. Isn't it awful2 l am frightened
half to death. How fortunate that you
came to protect me. 1t seems good to have
a human being in sight, at such a time as
this"
She appeared much excited and nervous
as she threw open the door and invited the
man to enter.
The truth is tie was not afraid
of the storm at all, put he could not know
that she was playing a part. She was in
the house alone, far from any other hAbi-
tation, yet even when the storm came she
had no fear. She threw open the shutters
and gazed ont at the wild night and
thought it was grand. The thunder rolled
and reverberated among the hills, and the
vivid lightning flashes revealed the trees
bending before a mighty wind. She had
no nerves as other women have and enjoy
ed the grandeur of the scene.
Suddenly, in the bright light of a light
ming flash, she saw a figure dart from one
tree to another, and again a man crouched
down by the steps that led to the vine COW
cred porch.
She knew at once their purpose. Alone
and unprotected she had not even a pistol
to take her own life if the worst anne
Her cries could not have been heard on a
calm, still night, and such a night as this
less than ever. The man crouching by
the steps arose, and she stepped forward,
inviting him in.
A woman of marvellous beauty and
power, accustomed to command and be
obeyed, men bowed to her will. Now she
was playing her last card. Would she winP
Suddenly a terrific thunderclap smote
the air. She trembled, and clutching his
sleeve with one beautiful, strong, white
hand she put the other to her ear.
"Oh, sir, are you not frightened"
emo; the storm will soon pass"
Studying the man in the light of the
lamp, she saw that he was fairly good
looking, intelligent and gentlemanly in
appearance for a burglar. There was a
hard expression about his mouth which
told of the life he led.
Yet she believed there must be some
spark of chivalry which she could kindle
into life, and she would trust to that.
The front door pushed open, and the
other man entered-unmistakably one OF
the lower sort-with a dark M cruel face.
Clinging to the arm of the n she had
selected as her protector, she said in a low
tone.
Protect mech, I know you will
You are a a not q beastp'
"Come, come, my pretty one, off with
your sparklers. We've no time to lose, !"
said the newcomer, taking o step toward
her.
"No, Bill; let the lady alone. 'Tisn't
quite fair!'' said the other, interposing.
"Ohol How long since you've been in
the perfession fer yer health2'
"Well, I'm in it tonight for my health,
and hers too. Furthermore, it will be for
your health not t take another step in
the barrel of a six shooter.
His jaw dropped, but he obeyed.
clay your knife and pistol on that
table and sneakl Now gitl'' said the other,
and they marched out in the storm to-
gcther.
1t all happened in a few minutes. The
woman fairly held her breath in suspense
to see how it would end. Her last card
had won. Then she tainted. She had
nerves after all. .
When consciousness returned, the sun
was climbing over the hills. She arose
and looked out. There was evidence of a
storm, but was the rest q dream?
Looking on the table, she saw the knife
and pistol were not there.
Just then her brother came in from the
barn, where he had been putting up his
horse.
81 nave just returned, Evelyn The
storm was SO threatening last night that
thought best to stop in the village.
know how fearless you are. If you were
a timid woman, I should have braved it
and come"
"Was your trip successfu1s'
eyes, quite"
She said not a word about her nights
experience, but went around all day in a
dazed sort of way, thinking it over. 1t
was all so clear, she could not believe it
a dream, yet everything was in its place,
as it had been before.
Toward evening a passing farmer
stopped on his way from town with their
mail. He brought her a letter in a strange
handwriting. Opening it, she read:
DEAR MADAM-Your faith in me last night
saved you, and I hope has saved me, for l now
have the desire in my heart to be a better
man.
Some years ago l was a clerk in a bank, and
in order TO increase my income specialized In
8 small way. 1t is the old story-I Borrowed
fFOm the DaIk, honestly intending To pay
back, but was caught am served my time in
the penitentiary.
When l came out, my ! other and sister were
dead-killed by grief at my disgrace. They
would have trusted me, but no one else would,
l went from place to place seeking employ
nent, but somehow my record as a jailbird
came up, and / was discharged. 1t was my
first offense. 1t is only when a man repeated
ly betrays his trust that there is no hope. ]
believe / could have been saved, yet no one
put forth a helping hand, and I thought there
was no faith in the whole of humanity and
gradually sank to my present condition.
You knew my mission at your house, vel
you trusted to my manhood to save you, and
/ thank you for it.
Sitting on your porch all night, I waited
until I heard your brother returning and
knew you wouldbe safe. Then l came in, and
taking the pistol and knife went my way
with a new purpose in my heart, believing
that I may yet be able to hold up my head
among honest men.
Hoping for your welfare, I am yours sin
cerely,
A MAN REFORMED BY A WoMAN's FAITH.
Owl.
ny C-TD--~- - n-F~-