Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1899-08-18

"Do come in under the shelter from the
storm. Isn't it awful? / 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 u time as
this"
She appeared much excited and nervous
as she threw open the door and invited the
man to enter.
The truth is the woman was not afraid
of the storm at all, but he could not know
that she was playing a part. She was in
the house alone, far from any other habi
tation, yet ever when the storm came she
had no fear. She threw open the shutters
and gazed out at the wild night and
thought it was grand. The thunder rolled
n 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 Tart 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
n unprotected she had not even a pistol
to take her own life if the worst came.
Her cries could not have been heard on q
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 wini
Suddenly a terrific thunderclap smote
the air. She trembled, and clutching his
sleeve with n beautiful, strong, white
hand she put the other to her ear.
"Oh, sir, are you not frightened"
"No; 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 Tor 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 q dark and cruel face.
Clinging to the arm Of the one she had
selected as her protector, she said in a low
tone:
protect mech, 1 know you will
You are a man, not a beast!'
Come, come, my pretty one, off with
your sparklers. We've no time to lose, .
said the newcomer, taking u step toward
her.
"No, Bill; let the lady alone. 'Tisn't
quite fair!' said the other, interposing.
"Oho! How long since you've been in
the perfession fer yer health?"
"Well, I'm in it tonight lor my health,
and hers too. Furthermore, it will be for
your health not to take another step in
this direction" And Bill looked down
the barrel of a six shooter.
His jaw dropped, but he obeycd.
Lay your knife and pistol on that
table and sneak! Now gitr' said the other,
and they marched out in the storm to-
gether.
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 VOL Then she tainted. She had
nerves after all.
When consciousness returned, the sui
was climbing over the hills. She arose
and looked odt. There was evidence Of {,
storm, but was the rest Il dream?
Looking on the table, she saw the knife
md pistol We're not there.
just then her brother came in from the
barn, where he had been putting up his
horse.
have 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
.timid woman, l should have braved it
and come"
WAS your trip successful?"
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. IT
was all SO clear, she could not believe it
a dream, yet everything was in its place,
as it had been before.
Toward evening q 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 / now
have the desire in my heart to be a better
man.
Some years ago I was a clerk in a bank, and
in order to increase my income specialized in
a small way. 1t is the old story-I borrowed
from the bank, honestly intending to pay
back, but was caught and served my time in
the penitentiary.
When I came out, my mother and sister were
dead-killed by grief at my disgrace. They
would have trusted mi but no one else would.
I went from place to place seeking employ
ment, but somehow M record as a jailbird
came up, and l was discharged. 1t was my
first %offense. 1t is only when a man repeated
ly betrays his trust that there is no hope. ]
believe I could have been saved, yet no one
put forth Il 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, yet
you trusted to my manhood to save you. and
thank you for it.
Sitting on your porch all night, l waited
until l heard your brother returning and
l;new you would be safe. Then l came In, and
;aking 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, ! am yours sin
cerely,
A MAN REFORMED By A WoMAN's FAITH.