Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1903-03-19
CHAPTER TX. Continued.)

Ralph Marlowe took In the situation
at once. He realized that something
must be done to allay the mad fears Of
those irresponsible human beings, to
bring them to their senses, or dozens
Of them would be trampled under foot
and killed or injured. With him, to
think was to act. He was out of the
way Of danger himself-he thought only
of others. Sprlnging to the side Of the
leader Of the band. he cried in an agi-
tated voice:
PLAY something at once! Anything
Rnything!"
"Play Yankee Doodle boys!" the
bandmaster beloved. "And play it
like hen!'
And they did play it-played it like
all the imps of the inferno had broken
loose at once, and were wailing and
screeching their miseries and torments,
to an unregenerate world. But it had
the desired effect Crazed men and
frenzied women, who felt themselves as
good as dead checked their mad i'm
pulses and wondered If the danger were
pastor II The band were trying to rem
der dirge suitable to the catastrophe.
A few of the throng, however, were
not so easily controlled. Marlowe saw a
wedge-shaped body of men still fight
ing to extricate themselves from the
general mass To right and left they
showed and knocked all who barred
their way A young woman attempted
to get out of their path; but tripped
and fell. In a moment they would have
been upon her; but the young druggist
leaped forward and caught her up in
his arms.
Back" he commanded sternly-
Hereby, supporting his limp burden up
on his left arm and essaying to retreat
from his perilous position Back, men!
There Is no danger! Would you crush
the life out of helpless woman? Back,
say!"
They gave no heed to his words.
Swiftly they pressed upon him and
around him, giving him no chance to
turn and escape. A number of times he
was almost thrown from his feet, as he
retreated backward The young woman
had recovered sufficiently to stand; but
she chung TREMENDOUSLY yet tenaciously to
his arm. Her trusting touch-he knew
not why-aroused him to instant fury
and action. Once, twice, thrice his right
INST shot out from the shoulder; and as
many OF the ruthless, wild-eyed mani
9cs went Keeling back among their fell
lows. For moment the human avail
anche was checked. In the brief inter-
val Marlowe threw his arm around the
young woman's waist and hurried her
to place OF safety, upon the pavement
In NPk hA
The flying wedge, reaching open
ground, broke and scattered harmless
ly.
Ralph bent and peered into the face
OF the woman he had rescued. BY the
aid of the mellow lamplight streaming
from the store window, he discerned
fair young face framed by a mass of
tousled golden hair, and pair of heav-
emily violet-blue eyes looking into his
own.
Dolly" he exclaimed involuntarily.
yes" her pale lips whispered falter-
ingly. "And you have saved my life,
Mr.. Marlowe. How can ever repay
you"
She was still clinging to him, trust
ingly-tremblingly His heart beat rap
lissome form and steadied her. But he
answered brusquely:
1T was nothing. Probably you would
have escaped without my aid"
"You know better" she returned
earnestly, her mouth quiverlng like
that OF a grieved child.
There they stood, each silently gazing
into the others face. Unconsciously he
pressed her to his breast. and she did
not resist. The band had ceased to
play. The people had regained their
senses; the speaker was closing his adj
dress.
"0h, Dorothy! have been searching
everywhere for you"
It was Julia's voice; and she stood
before them.
I'm the rush Of the crowd" Ralph
explained calmly, your sister was
thrown down. | was near; and aided
her to this place. But she is nervous
and weak | think we would better take
her to the drugstore. Your father is
there; and anxious about both of you.
He sent me to look for you"
Are you hurt, Dorothy" Julia in
oulred. genuine concern in her voice
mo- | am upset, that Is ALL" Dolly
murmured family.
Marlowe released his hold upon his
fair charge But she tottered; and again
he placed his arm around her.
Let us CO." he said simply.
Up the sidewalk they went, Julia or
the one side Of her sister and Ralph on
the other.
The great political event was over;
and the crowd was dispensing. The Nal.
conta Band, playing lively national
air, was leading the way toward the
boat landing. Farmers were untyine
their teams and tumbling into theiI
numbering vehicles. Dogs were barking:
horns were footing. The fierce, deflan
'Hurrah for Bryan!!" was
answered by the sepulchral groan-
"Mc-Kin-leyl Mc-Kin-ley!" Lights
were disappearing in stores and shops
empty torches were wlnking-fadinJ
and dying The damp air was foul Will
the smell Of burning oil and gunpow
der.
Clark came upon Marlowe and tn,