New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-30

with that little woman"
They heard the sound OF footsteps On shs
oeaeh- man was passing the camp on hls
way TO the bungalow. Hammersly sprang up
II it's Curteis' he muttered "thsrsu be-
murder. Halo thereF' he shouted WHO'S
that?"
The footsteps stopped at once Hammsrsfy
lit the two lanterns which hung from the tsns
poles They burned steadily IN the MINDLESS
air. and almost Immediately a dark figure
stepped into the little circle OF light.
"Curteis. by all that's amazingP' Hammersly
exclaimed, with well assumed heartiness. Hope
you don't think we're taking an Internal liberty
camping here? Robertson said that you gave
him permission some time ago. and. by Jove.
we've had wonderful sport! Johnson. bring out
the whisxey and some glasses"
Curteis shook his head His eyes We're trav-
cling round the little circle. as though seeking
for some one.
You are perfectly welcome here" he said,
shortly. by the bye. where's Willerton?'
Hammersley also glanced around carelessfy.
somewhere about" he answered. II fancy
he's turned in heard him say that he was
very tired"
There. was moments silence. Hammersly1p
heart sank. for in the dim light he watched rhs
sudden blaze in his questioner's eyes-heard the
quick. sobbing breath which kept him speech
less. Then Curteis moved a step forward ana
the words seemed 10 leap from his Hps-QuicA
tense things.
SHOW me wilerton's tent"
My dear fellow" Hammersly drawIed, -couy
disturb him at this hour OF night. rernenbse
now that he complaining OF a headaches
"Oh. go to hellI- Curteis suddenly exclaimed.
stand out OF the wayP'
Hammersly was whizzed backward for Gun
tets was strong man. and Hammersly rttA
more than boy. He caught I'D one OF tho
I1r1
without word. he dashed the lantern upon rhs
ground
IF you dare to follow me- he said to Ham,
mersy. ''you or any OF the others. VIII snooea
you like dog"
The bungalow was sheltered rrom tho wind
by q grassy knoll. Curtsis. though every droo
of blood in his body went tingIing through his
veins in wild fever, walked stealthily and
finally sank on his knees. He was within =
few feet Of the broad piazza. and there pressed
against the side OF the wall. his straIninx eyas
saw plainly the figure OF man
The seconds suddenly expanded Tia man
whose heart was wrung with hideous faars
seemed unconsciously to become possessed OF
a wonderful grip upon his thoughts, the rnsntai
| clearness OF dying man. She was so dear To
MIN. this dainty little woman. with her sndear-l
ing ways her delicate mannerisms. her quaint,
| almost wistful, beauty. And It was his fault it
|
He remembered his courtship all the shynsss
| OF her wonderful girIhood afterward thu al.
Iniration she had everywhere excited. the bur-
/ den or his own silence and aching heart He
| ought to have been frank with her, have taken
/ her into his arms and pleaded for the old DAYS
| together. And. instead. he had let her go her
own way. had grown colder and more silent.
and let other men say the things which. after
| all, she might have cared to have heard from
In Al
| TINS moment. this moment OF dumb midnight
| silence broken only by the low thunder OF ire
| sea rolling In upon the stones below. CurtsIs
| Ielt his self-possessiOn going. He must call out
He held his breath. The man on the piazza
nag moved; He was tapping upon the window.
/ winch all the while had remained dark and un-
| responsive. Still silence . . The man leaned
over and tapped again Curteis's hngernails
blood upon his lips. A blind had been drawn
up the window was open Louise stood thsre,
/ q slim, white figure.
| Who Is that?" she asked quietly.
| WillertOn laughed softly
AT last" he murmursd. stepping forward
His arm touched her. but she evaded him.
You. Lord WillertOnI How dare you coma
herel How dare you knock at my Window
The mans hot whisper came like the mufied
singing OF a night insect to Curteis's ears.
"A man dares a great deal, Louise for tia
woman he loves. All these days you have been
| cruel to me. You viii not speak to me alone Z
could not sleep and think that you were hsra.l
only few yards of. had to come"
Again he leaned over as though to embrace
her, and again she evaded him.
You knocked at my windOw-to tell ne ehfsfss
his voice sank so low that Curteis cauzhf
only the passionate murnur Of his pleadInr
tones. He tried to take her into his arms. Eos
the third time she stepped back
Lord WtllertOn." she said. you talk about a
man daring great deal for the woman he Iovea.
You have dared good deal indeed. but It Is
who am to pay. Do your friends know where
you areG What do they think2'
They think that have gone for q stroIk
"IAarI Cowardr' she exclaimed. leaning SUD-.
denly toward him. "Listenl You and your
friends Will leave this island before sunrise to-.
morrow. hope to God that may never meet
you or any OF your kind again. Col"
She would have slammed the window, but h.
caught IL.
mo, by heavens, won'tI" he exclaimed. sua.
denly thrusting his hand upon her mouth T.
Good God LouiseE'
There q sharp report a pun OF srnoka
and he sprang back with little cry OF terror.
Louise stood once more In the window, and ths
steel OF a revolver glittered IN her hand.
i am not quite foolish enough" shs said
quietly, TO open my window TO such a man as
you without being prepared to defend rnysele
You and your friends wondered the other day
why practised with my revolver for half al
hour day. Now you know"
Lord Willerton had at least breeding
Madam. congratulate your husband.- ha
said y perceive that you are In earnest Tou
have decetved-a good many people"
He turned and walked into Curtefs's arms
Hair an hour later Curteis strobe into the little
camp and flung upon the ground soft. groan-
ing burden.
I've brought you wiIIsrton back" he said
shortly. Don't speak to me, Hammersly II
find single one OF you on this island after sum-
rise Tomorrow morning III shoot you witnous
further warning"
He turned his heel and disappeared among
the shadows But he did not return to the
bungalow; 1t seemed TO him the bitterest part