The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-02-26

Government, smiling and nodding In
condescepding way that is irritating,
to say the least.
Just then ynheer Joe has pecul-
far sensation sweep over him; he is
conscious OF deep dislike toward this
man. He does not attempt to ex-
plain the feeling. Perhaps it is rival
ny that brings these two together-a
striving after the smiles of beauti-
full girl.
Molly Tanner brushes past the baron
at this moment, having been able to
leave her parent, who is not badly in
jured in any way. The Russian puts
out hand to stay her passage, but
she heeds him not, advancing straight
as the home fight of a bee for the
spot where the explorer stands. In
another moment she is at his side.
How is your father?" he manages
TO ask, feeling like a hypocrte; and.
but for the fact of his face being al
ready tanned, tie blood mounting up
ward would betray him.
HE feels no effect from his fall,
but is full of deep anger" Molly re-
plies.
"Against-the man who struck himF'
"No, singularly enough he doesn't
seem to feel that way toward the
wretch. His anger is wholly directed
against the man who threw the BAN
ana skin upon the flags on which he
slipped at the time he was struck"
"Ohw says Joe. with gurgling smile.
as he grasps the defeated gladiator's
ruse to excuse his downfall. "Singu-
lar how incidents will happen. I've
had as strange things occur to ME at
times. But, Miss Molly, how is it with
you? If your father does not bear
malice toward the unlucky offender
who was SO rash as to measure strength
with him, do you also forgive him?"
Not 1.-THE wretch. 1t was my deer
old governor he struck. If 1 had been
present I'm afraid l might have done
something desperate"
And her flashing eyes give Joe an
idea that this is no mere idle threat
on her part.
He shrugs his shoulders and contin-
ueS:
Il believe it was fair, stand-up
business But we will not discuss it
further, Miss Molly"
pardon me, but" she stammers.
what can l do for you?" seeing
she is about to ask some favor at
which she hesitates.
81, don't know why 1 speak to you
in this way, since l have known you
for so short a time. l have numerous
friends here-acquaintances should
call them-but you saved my life, and,
somehow l feel that l can say to you
what l should hesitate to speak to
others"
''Yes," he utters encouragingly. feel
ing deeply flattered by her words, and
yet conscious of an uneasy sensation,
for the baron is glaring at him from
across the room. and there is some
thing baleful in that diplomats frown.
'Will you help me-" she asks blunt
ly.
II promise you, to the best of my
ability" he replies without second
thought.
"A thousand thanks. l knew could
depend upon YOU" she murmurs.
Mynheer Joe does not dream the ma
ture of the request she is about to
make.
What can 1 do for you" he finally
asks. do not hesitate. Speak out"
You may think me vindictive, per-
haps."
"Neyerr'
"But when I think of the dear old
governor being so badly used, my
blood fairly boils."
"Ah.'
"Do you think you could find the
wretch who beat my governor, Myn-
heer Joe?"
Il am sure OF it." stoutly.
"Will you do this-for me-"
"ASsurediy."
and bring him before me?"
81 will drag him there by the neck
and the heels, though he has the
strength of Samson"
This wonderful speech receives its
reward. of course. in the shape of Il
to tell what the designs OF the eXplor-
Ell may ne.
You are very kind. Myaheer Joe.
When this fellow is before me, l am
in doubt what to Go-whether to give
him Il piece of my mind or use a whip
On him, as l have read of energetic
women doing. In some way must
show him that he cannot beat my
dear governor with irnpunity."
Joe almost smiles as he thinks OF
having need of such defender as
this. But the situation is SO extremely
delicate and desperate that he has 10
heart to be amused at its ridiculous
side.
'Will you leave the decision with
me:' lie asks having bold idea.
with pleasure" she replies.
"And abide by the result?"
"Yes, indeed. 1t will take a load
OFF my mind to have you decide my
course"