Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-01
Lavender Creighton's
 Lovers
By OLIVIA B. STROHM

Olivia B. Strohm).
 her manner was always unduly earn est, with an inclination to the dra- matic.
 He resented the attitude; he would test her upon the first opportunity.
 From the position at the post, all unharmed. Gonzaga descended with a smile of triumph, and walked directly up to Lavender ready for his need of praise.
 You are brave" she said, extending her hand.
 At that moment the marksman beckoned to Winslow. Well, are you ready for hand at the gamer"
 There was a taunting ring in the captains voice-a thinly veiled con- tempt as in expectation of refusal. But Winslow was in no mind to re- fuse. He knew it to be a risk; a foolhardy exhibition of misplaced hero- ism. Nevertheless, he went steadily to place. ..-
 "Mr. Winslow-Charles, no, mo-" Lavender begged, but he shook his head firmly and smiled. A chorus of rowdy cheers drowned her remon- strance.
 A voice in her ear whispered: Are you, then, afraid for your friend?" There was covert sheer in the Span iard's manner which the girl re- sented.
 'Mr. Winslow is as equal to the ab- surd test, but as liable to hurt, as those of less sense. The whole busi- ness is idiotic; the game surely not worth the candle. I've can let him take the chances"
 And I? How about my chances?"
 But Lavender failed to detect the double meaning in his question, nor did she catch his ardent glance, for her eyes were following the scene on the forward deck.
 The man at the rifle waited with his back toward her, directly in front of the post where Winslow stood And near him-so close that warning shouts urged her back, stood the octoroon.
 Look alive, there!"
 Git out O the way!" But the paid no heed. If she moved at Ill, it was but to steal nearer the mark.
 The cup was placed upon Winslow's lead, and Pat Finch raised the rifle. The dark woman, crouching almost in ts range, gazed fascinated at the 'leaming barrel. Then her glance an like lightning to the cruel eyes be- lind it. There was a flash, a report, nd the thud of falling body. Both | and the slave he had re- 1 eemed lay prostrate at the foot of i he post.
 Instantly there was an uproar, and | he rush of excited men to the res ue. With a scream of terror. Laven- CT darted forward but before she ould reach the spot, and to the gen. ral amazement, both rose and faced he crowd.
 In the silence Winslow stared at the 'oman beside him. Her olive skin 'as darker with horror. and she stag cred to the post as if for support.
 Whats the matter?" demanded inch, striding forward.
 T can oner no explanation" Wins ,w returned, calmly. except that the oung woman" he indicated the octo- oon, was overcome and fell against le. Not expecting the weight, top led ignominiously." he concluded. 'ith an apologetic smile.
 Then. at the captains urging. he re- laced the cup on his head. But the ark woman snatched it away. and lrew 1t out far over the water. No. o, not again; no, never," she poured ut the words in a torrent of feeling. The rife was not aimed true, saw , but 1t was too late. saw the ash. and then-then pushed you lt-of range I-r could think of no ther way she concluded. with a 1rst of sobs.
 A hush fell upon the company. so- cred by the sudden Tapping of the tngs of Death.
 A voice from the crowd at length broke lespell; Well. Pat. reckon ye're glad ie wench saved ye from bein' a mur- srer; but how in h-l come ye to ake sech a mistake?"
 The man with the rife paused. then nder brows that met In a sinister IT, he demanded How are ye goiu'
 prove it would a done any hurt? ow dye know the gun wsrnt aimed ue7"
 Sharp and dear rang the answer. ,y the bullet in the post. see.- and e octoroon pointed 10 where. cheat
 of softer burial. the bi, of lead lay mly imbedtet in the wood. Winslov stepped alongside: [. was st as high as his heart All eyes gre turned to the boatman. who met e stare unfiinching. Somebody nut red: she spoiit a d-d gnod shot," d al this voicing of the general sus- -ion. an angry murmur rose. But the bully was untismayed. lccidents will happen. he said. and oily swaggered below.