The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1903-12-22

With a slow and weary step, his face
deathly pale, Jack Desmond ascends the
broad staircase and enters his room, clos
in- the door noiselessly after him.
turning on the light, he opens a drawer
IN a little inlaId table and takes there
from a small silver-mounted revolver. 4
smile inexpressibly bitter curls his hac.
card lips, as he draws back the hammer
and deliberately places the cold muzzle
gains his temple.
Luck is against me" he mutters, and
I'm sick OF the struggle-sick OF life it
self. Let the curtain fall and the lights
20 out. No worse hell can await the
ruined gamester than the hell Of his own
miserable thoughts.'
The cynical smile deepens upon his lips,
revealing his cIenched white teeth. His
steady hand presses the trigger.
A sharp click follows, but no report.
Fortunately the cartridge has failed 10
explode.
His eyes flash feverishly. He is about
to recock the weapon, when there is a
low, frightened cry, a rush of soft foot
steps; and as the pistol is dasred from
his suicidal HAND a voice shaken with
horror cxclaims:
stop! Oh, merciful God! Are you
mad"
With a convulsive start, the young man
wheels.
by what right he begins hoarsely.
He gets no further, however, for the
person before him, erect but trembling
il every limb, and with one hand pressed
against her painting bosom, is a woman.
A woman of middle age, with a pale,
pure, intellectual face, delicate white
hands and an affluence of shining sill
Cr- he ir- n WOMAN of o,,I - o-.a y n ord
beauty despite her years, and possessing
a nameless, ndescribable charm as ex-
quisite and as intangible as a strain OF
half-fOrgotton music.
Desmond has met this lady very FIRE
quentIy within the last month or two.
These meetings, though, have been con-
fined to the staircases and corridors OF
the hotel where they are stopping; and
though struck by the supreme distinction
of her air, the young man has made a
few inquiries concerning her, nothing be
yond a smile and a bow has hitherto
passed between them. Imagine, then, his
establishment at seeing her mere.
Miss Maynard" he eXcIaims. You"
She flashes through her colored glasses
an involuntary glance toward the clock
on the mantel. The hands are pointing
to a quarter after midnight.
Il understand" she says unsteadily.
But l am here to save-to keep you
from crime. Come with me-"
The last words spoken in a frmer tone,
are uttered With the air of one who expects
no denial. In his present desperate mood
Desmond finds them rather amusing. Per-
haps, too, though he has silently cursed
her for staying his murderous hand, Re
is nevertheless glad of the reDrieve.
Il am at your service, madame" he
answers courteously."
She turns and leads the way from the
room. A few steps bring them to a plush
draped archWay. Pushing aside the heavy
portiere, she ushers him into a little par
Tor whose daintily luxurious appointment
appeal to the cultured taste with the
same subtle, indefnable charm which is
so sWeetly welded to herself.
sit down. she says waving her hand
toward a shellshaped velvet chair, land
l viii tell you how / came to enter your
room. l saw your face as you were com
ing I'D the stairs, and | knew that YOU
were crazed with suffering and bent Oh
doing some desperate deed. So the mo
ment you closed your door [ stole to it
and listened. There I caught q few NUT
tered words which told me only too plain
" that you were about to destroy yCul-
self. Are you surprised, then, at my run
ming in and knocking the pistol from your
hand?'
A tremor as of horror thrills through
her as she speaks-a tremor that does
not escape Jack Desmond's now keel
and wondering regard.
Il am surprised" he ansWers, "at the
pains you took to verify your suspicious,
What interest can you have in g man
like me- Ptn,Ilcss and triendiess, with
10 one to blame for my ruined lie but
myself, 1 am tonight, OF all creatures
or earth. perhaps the most miserable
You would nave been far kinder, madame
had You made no effort to save me-
The lady starts from the chair int
which she sank a moment since, and WITT
her rich draperies sweeping the deer
carpet, moves a few step away from
him.
is there no hope for you?" she asks
in a trembling voice. "Can you not re
daem The past?"
a scornful laugh escapes his handsome
lips.
impossible, madame. I have ne
money, no business qualifications, nc
knowledge Of any profession. How could
l live?"
Have you any desire to live?-to sup
port yourself in an honorable way
to win back the love and respect OF your
felIcWmen?'
A apasm Of pain crosses his naughty
young ace.
Why do you question me?" he says
\ sudden lovely smile flashes over heI
sweet, sad mouth.
Then you have that desire! Will you
prove it? You would study law, but you
haven't the means. You have very ex
travagant tastes. Give up your prescn;
reckless way Of living and your every
wish shall be gratlfed. VIII you promise
me this ?"
She has drawn closer TO him; and a,
he rises. his eyes widening with astontsh-
mcnt. he can see that she is quiverlne
with emotion.
Madame" he stammers, "Why-why dc
You take so deep an interest in one st
unWorthy?"
THAT is my secret" is the loW-almos'
whispered response. But tell me-dt
you ConSent?"
= cannot; | could never repay
T --,n ~