Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1904-11-26
CHAPTER VI


Paul Hazard thought it was the order
to start for Siberia when his prison door
was suddenly opened, as he sat in the
dismal semi-darkness of his miserable
cell.
But the heavy door closed again, and
only one person had entered. A woman.
veiled and cloaked. Yet, the instant she
spoke, Paul knew her, and the dingy
prison seemed in a moment filled with
brightness.
MIR. Hazard, have come, at the
earliest moment possible, to entreat you
no, not to forgivc-you are not likely
to forgive such indignities, such mon
strous treachery-but to let me make
what amends can be made You are free
on the one condition that you return to
England without a moments delay. /
feel sure that will meet your wishes?''
Not quite" Paul interrupted the hur-
ried words, which were very tremulous.
Then they became more agitated
Il entreat you, for my sake, because
it is all my fault. told you | brought
ill-fortune to everyone who became nv
friend, but | never thought OF this. ii
you had never seen me, nothing of this
could ever have BEEN
Even SO, L am glad have seen you, >
said Paul, with his old masterful man
ner returning. Il am more glad than /
can say to see you again, Ruby"
In her earnest, rapid pleading she had
come close up to him, her veil thrown
back, her cloak falling from her shout
ders
Dim though the light was, he saw her
eyes shining, her face white and CULVER
ing; she had stretched out her hands. and
he took them in his and held them fast.
as man holds his best treasure.
Ruby" lie said again. and she never
rebuked him--"My lovei'
Then he bent forward suddenly and
kissed her.
He felt her thrill beneath the touch of
his lips, and she swaycd towards him: in
a second he was holding her in his arms,
tight pressed against his heart, and he
felt her tremble through the whole of her
being.
He kissed her again and again; but her
lips were stone cold, and she never once
returned his passionate caresses.
you love me-" he whispered triumph
antlv. Il would have suffered a thou
sand-fold more-for this"
"You have suffered enough. Yes, love
YOU" she said, in tone which somehow
chilled his joys. There is no need TO
tell a falsehood about that But I am
humiliated- that it should be
through me"
He stopped her masterfully.
Darling. through you / have learned
happiness" he said. Il am ready to 90
to England now" he went on. smiling
down upon her pale face we will 60
together, sweetheart, and the instant we
set foot in that free and happy land"
Come, then" she said, interrupting
him. There must be no delay"
She rapidly resumed her veil and cloak,
and then led him out of the cell.
She spoke few words to the gaolers
whom she met, saying the same TO each
something in Russian-and she
showed a paper to one or two of them.
She and her companion were allowed
to pass, and Paul was soon outside the
prison-free!
A droschi was waiting, and Ruby en-
tered it. Paul followed her. and it start
ed at once. Then the girl leaned towards
her companion, and spoke with a little
difficulty.
These are your papers, she said,
drawing them forth and placing them in
his hand. Without giving them a glance,
he thrust them carelessly into his pocket
Be careful" she said. Without your
passport you can never cross the from
tier"
They are all right" Paul answered.
He had kept her hand in his, and now
he raised it to his lips. She drew a deep
breath.