Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1903-11-07
A Knight, A Lady and A Footpad.

might, a Lazy ana "A FOOtpau.
Miss WILDWOOD glanced fearfully over
her shoulder into the shadow, haunted
night. She was sure that a man was
following her, and she had still four
blocks to go. Under the electric arc
light she paused for moment, but there
was no car in sight, and again she
plunged into the darkness. longing for
the safe inclosure of the carriage she had
so carelessly sent home ten minutes be-
fore. Miss Winwood possessed a full
share of bravery but when one has twice
gotten glimpses of a dimlv outlined form
slipping along close to the fences one
is apt to realize with painful viyidness
what it means to be woman, alone and
young.
There He was passing under the
electric light, his SLOUGH hat pulled down
over his eyes. Miss Winwood crossed
to the opposite side of the street and fled
onward. When next she looked back,
the man. too, had crossed over. He was
quite close to her now, and her knees
trembed so that she feared she would
fall. She glanced desperately along the
deserted street, but there was no other
pedestrian The houses facing her We're
dark, and even should she have time to
run up the long front walk and ring the
bell of one of them, the man would be
upon her before the occupants could have
time to answer. Oh for light, an open
doorway, a policeman, anything!
Her heart contracted with cold fear
when the electric light at the next cor
ner suddenly grew dim and died away;
then it beat again with renewed strength
for she discerned a man crossing the
street toward her through the darkness.
With a sudden rush she threw herself
upon him, clinging to his arm with des-
perate abandon.
"Oh, pleased" she cried, ''there is a
man following mel Oh, I'm so fright
ened Don't, don't let him hurt metz
The electric light fiared up, and she
lifted her white face and wide, terrified,
dark eyes. 1t was young face, with
two tears quivering upon the cheeks
and the man, who was young, too. put
his arm about her, for she was trembling
violently. Just outside the bright ring
of light made by the arc above dim
form pressed close to the fence The
girl saw it and her terror again mas
tered her.
Il saw hint On, you won't let him
come near me; you won't let him hurt
mel"
The young mans voice rang out firm
ly, soothingly:
Il will take care of you. No one shall
| touch you. Don't be afraid, the man is
gone now"
| herself. The color swept into her face;
she released herself
Il beg your pardon. | was so
| frightened l hardly knew what | was
doing"
"Win you have my ARM" the man
asked gravely. Il shall see you home.
Which way do we gof"
NO 4S, two blocks farther" She
looked up at him gratefully. How can
/ thank you for your kindness? l should
never have yentured out alone. but |
had been penned up all afternoon with
sick friend, and it was such short
walk and such refreshing air."
In spite of herself the words ended
in sob, for Miss Winwood's nerves were
| still shaken, and she leaned heavily en-
the arm of her protector and pressed
| closer 10 MS Slue Nncn IheE nedIeu tHe
shadow OF the tree boxes. He guided her
carefully along the street until she
paused before No. 4s.
Il thank you. Won't you come in and
let my father thank you, toog He IS
| Or. Winwood, and am Miss Grace Win
wood. He would like to speak to you, l
| know"
You are very kind, Miss Winwood,
but your thanks are all need. / am
glad to have been of service to you.
Good night"
Miss Winwood disappeared within the
ligllted hall, and the young man outside
stood in the street and stared at the
| door in a dazed way.
Suddenly a SLOUGH hated figure slipped
up close beside him.
what the devils the matter with
you? Did you get anything?" demanded
an angry voice.
Miss Winwood's protector threw out
his hands with a deprecating gesture.
| Barney, I'm q fool-but / couldn't
| do it that time. She-trusted me-" And
he turned off into the darkness.-Venita
| Seibert in Town and Country