The San Francisco call., 1903-12-20

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tered az her back were the three trem-
bling negroes armed one with a knife,
another with a pistol, another with a
stout club. He would have swept
them out OF his path in an instant had
II not been for the girl. She stood be-
fore him with outstretched arms, her
attitude a mixture Of defiance and ap-
peal.
1T Is tso late" she said, you were
Saved, savsdi"
He could do her ne violence. that
was certain. He stood silent before
her. his head bent tewGrd the nOor.
thinking deeply. Her heart went out
70 him then. her soul yearned to him.
She had hurt him. he must hats her
and she loved him.
VIII you not come IN and speak
to me for q moment1" he asked her
quickly enough at last.
She signed to the mSn. stepped
forward. the dosr was closed and
locked behind her, and they were
alone.
DID you think 70 be Of service to
me1~ he burst out a. she drew near
and then paused irresoluto. miserable.
You have ruined me for nfsl I
begEsd that detail. volunteered. 1
must get cut They may walt for nne.
II may not be too late. For Gods
sake unlock the doori"
She shook her head. Ghs could not
trust herself to speak
IT don't understand yO1- n u h-
Iove-for-me-"
she stared at him basSsohinEiy. mute
appeal for mercy, for help, IN her
lovely syes.
You are c0ndsmninG me 10 death,
worse than death am goinEi"
You cennotl"
She came closer a. Ehe spoke. Sud
denly he seized her. drew her close to
him, held her with his left arm, and
there was happiness for her IN his
touch. She was as q child before his
strength With his right hand he pre-
scented bis pistol TO her temple. He
took advantage OF her weakness. but
only in the service OF q higher cause
than love OF q woman. in answer to a
greater demand than even shs could
make. She offered no resistance either.
What was the use
"Boysi" he called out. sharply. "Are
you there?"
''Yas, suh," answered Cato.
'I have your mistress IN my arms,
my pistol is at her head. II you do
not instantly open the door I shall kill
her where stand!"
Cato, I forbid you 20 openi" cried
Fanny Glen in a ringing voice. still
making no effort to struggle and look
ing UP into the infuriated mans face
with the expression OF a martyr and
en- angel He saw and recognized, but
persisted. It was his only way.
open instantly" he said again. ''un-
less you would see your mistress die"
That was a threat the men could not
resist. In e second the door was
opened. The awestruck faces Of the
blacks peered into the room.
Throw down your arms. here at my
feet, you black hounds," shouted
Sempland Quick, Or fire."
Instantly knife. pistol and bludgeOn
clattered on the floor at his feet.
"Out Of the way now! Leave the
halIi want a clear passage!"
Kill me- XIII mel" cried the girl.
"and have done,"
BE released her IN a moment.
you have dishonored mel" he cried.
7 fear Il is too late. I wouldn't hurt
a hair Of your head But love you
I love youi"
He strained her TO his breast, press
ing a passionate, burning kiss upon her
lips. He wasted a few precious sec
Onds, but he could not help it. She
threw her arms about his neck and re-
turned his kiss. He could feel her heart
beating against his own.
I cannot let you goi" she cried.
"Stay with me and I am yours"
Il must goi"
He tore himself from her and ran
down the passage into the street. She
thought she would have tainted at that
instant, but something-suspense the
faint possibility Of success, doubt
nerved her 10 action. After a few mo-
ments OF awful uncertainty she fol-
lowed Sempland along the passage into
the street. He was not TO be seen She
knew where he had gone, however. and
she bent her steps toward the Govern
ment wharf. She went slowly at first,
but finally ran at her greatest speed.