The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1907-08-13


law. existing by my wits, disreputabie
in the eyes of those who are worthy to
Mve in the world. She, who was your
mother, would never wish you to re-
main with me. She would say I did
right in giving you up into the care
Ct a good woman. MAZDA, look on that
ace in the locket, your mothers face.
1t is sweet, pure beautiful, the face OF
q good. true N Living or dead,
1t must be the prayer of those lips that
you become a good woman also. She
should lead you, not 1, for 1 am un-
worthy. For her sake, and in her
name, 1 ask you to go back to Mrs.
Herndon."
He could perceive the gathering tears
in her Eyes, and his hand closed tight
ly about her own 1t was not one soul
alone that struggled.
You will go?"
90 Bob, I wish you wasn't a gam
bler!"
A moment he remained silent. But
unfortunately / am" he admitted, So
berly, "and it is best for you to go
back. Won't you?"
Her gaze was fastened upon the
open locket, the fair face pictured
there smiling up at her as though in
pleading also.
You truly think she would wish it?'
81 know she would"
The girl gave utterance to a quick,
startled breath, as if the vision fright
ened her. "Then 1 will co." she said,
her voice a mere whisper, ct will 60"
He led her down the steps, out into
the jostling crowd below, as if she had
been some fairy princess. Her locket
hung dangling, and he slipped it back
into its place and drew her slender
form yet closer against his own, as
they stepped forth int the black, de-
serted road. Halfway up the gloomy
ravine they me a man and woman
coming along the narrow path. Hamp-
ton drew her aside out of their way,
then spoke coldly.
Mrs. Herndon, were you seeking
you lost charge? have her here"
The two passing figures halted. peer.
ing through the darkness.
Il was not seeking her," she 70
turned. icily. 81 lave no desire to Gull
tivate the particular friends OF MI.
Hampton"
~ L AdNC uA0CI SIOOds LII COnS0-
quently relinquish here and now all
claims upon Miss ellis. She has in
formed nae Of your fattering opinion
regarding me, and I have Endorsed 1t
ms being mainly true to life. Do /
state this fairly. Nadia"
Il have come back" she faltered,
have come back"
Without Bob Hampton"
The girl glanced uneasily toward
him, but he stood motionless in the
gloom.
"Yes-II suppose I must"
Hampton rested his hand softly upon
her shoulder, his fingers trembling, al
though his voice remained coIdly de
Hberate.
Il trust this ia entirely satisfactory,
Mrs. Herndon," he said. 81 car assure
you I now absolutely nothing regard
ing her purpose of coming to me TO-
night. 1 realize quite clearly my own
deficiencies, and pledge myself here
after not to interfere with you In any
n You accept h trust, 1 believer"
She gave utterance to a deep sigh of
resignation. 1T comes to me clearly
aS 4 Christian duty" she acknowL
edged, doubtfully, and 1 suppose 1
must take up my cross; but"
But you have doubts" he interrupt
ed. We'll, 1 have none, for I have
greater faith in the girl, and-perhaps
In God. Goodnight, MAZDA"
He bowed above the hand the girl
gave him in the darkness, and ever
after she believed he bent lower, and
pressed his lips upon it. The next mo-
ment the black night had closed him
out, and she stood there, half fright
ened at she knew not what, ON the
threshold of her new life.
(To Be Continued.