The Washington times., 1901-12-08

Niioh ne was leaving. disgraced, name
less. penniiess.
! Yes, he would go back; he would see
her once more.
With dossed energy he retraced his
steps across the bridge, and began to
climb the steep bluff OF the town.
narrow ray OF light shone from the
window Of room in his house-the room
in which they had been in the habit of
sitting together when alone. He fancied
he saw the woman there. and he crept
noiselessy along by the wall OF the house,
and crawled up the steps OF the veranda.
upon which the room opened
The window shade was lowered He got
down on his knees. so that he cou.i bring
his eyes to a level with the space be-
tween the curtain and the SASH A FIRE
was burning in the CRATE. and in front of
it sat the woman. with an open book
resting on her knees. her anxious eyes
fixed upon the flckering flames before
her She was waiting for him. vaguely
wondering at his delay and at the sudden
| changing Of his plans. Waiting for him.
and he dared not go in to herl He could
only crouch outside in the darkness and
watch her stealthily. and then sink away
through the night into oblivion
wild sense of regret for her. mingled
with a selfish despair at his own loss of
the great house. his social prestige and
his mock respeetability. surged over him.
and groan tore itself from his lips.
She heard him. and started from her
chair. In an instant he, too, was upon
his feet, tiptoeing his way toward the
steps. As he reached them, the great
hall door was thrown open. and a flood
Of light caught his retreating form. while
4 woman's voice called questIeaingly,
anxiously;
John, Is that you?''
lie turned toward her. mumt:ing:
"Did 1 startle you? IL was Just COM
ing in"
She came to him. and drew him inside
the house, gIancing wondering.y at his
pale lips and shifting eyes.
What has happened?" she asked Are
you il?"
Nothing has happened. have been
worried and overworked today 1 am not
ill-only tired"
She looked at him anxiously. and helped
him to get off his hat and coat, which
were soaked with the rain.
why. you walked home this wet
night" she exclaimed.
Yes. l walked home, he returned |
huskiiy
Why are you so careless. John? No
wonder you look cold and sick,"
She lighted spirit lamp. and heated
water mixed with whisky He listened
to the gentle singing Of the kettle. watch
ing her movements with confused eyes, as
If but. half awakened from a heavy sleep.
Drink this she said. holding a glass
full of the steaming liquid toward him.
You must get OF your clothes and go to
bed at once"
He drained his glass. and followed her
dumbly up the stairs like bewIldered
child
She got him to bed, and. putting out
the lights in his room, left him. As she
closed his door a shivering terror came
over him, and cold sweat covered his
body. Before his hot eyes there arose
the vision OF that dark closet far below
the glittering lights in the tower Of the
Higgins Building, and Of the shabby little
woman in the old black dress and shawl,
who lay there with great black marks
upon her throat. He clenched the covers
Of his bed aercely to stay the nervous
restlessDess Of his hand. and stared into
he darkness. shuddering at eas.. s....-.1S
loise of the silent night. At length. with
itealthy care he slipped from the bed and ,
sroped for his clothes. The woman in
be room adjoining heard him. and asked;
What do you want, John?'
Nothing" he answered. Il am rest
ess. l cannot sleep"
He sat by the window, hoping she might
leep. but she spoke at his slightest move.
twice during the night she attempted to A.,
ress himself and escape but each time
he aroused herself and checked his flight
Ind when the eastern sky broke into
avn he crept back to his bed wonde ring
ow he could live through the hours un-
IL another night should come to shield
I'm as he fed
Through the early hours of the day he
owered in the great house fearfuIly alert
{ each sound OF footsteps in the door
ard. drawn by a morbid longing to visit
he scene OF his crime. held back by an
nreasoning fear OF detection should he
o.
About noon he reused himself to quiet
ne womans alarm at his unnatural
srvous state. He repealed her suggestion
lat a physician be called. and with tight
4 u
inally he told her that he must depart =
n New York that night. and that he . =
ust go alone. silencing her quick expos y
llations with hard brutality which -
ung her to tears that he could not dry. -
ie watched him with sorrowing. anxious
res as he mounted the stairs to make
ady for his Journey. 81
1t was Just noon. With fumbling hands
, was busying himself in the dim room
hen the faint. sharp notes Of an electric n,
IL struck his ears. He stole into the | -
III and listened. The sound OF mems g
ices at the door reached him. He Il,
ard them say: nc
Something serious has happened. We sn
ust see Mr.. Higgins at onceir Then he 60
ard the rustic Of a womans skirts upon Or
e stairs. She was coming to tell him an
was wanted-wanted for what? 80
The unreasoning terror Of wild beast 60
bay seized him. and sent the blood N
rging from his heart. They knewi They oh
d found the body. They had come for mr.
NJ. ~
He jumped back into his room In an
her moment the crack OF pistol shot Al,
nR thrnngh the hnnan .