The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1907-01-31

Author 81
ns Black wolrs Breed he.
- y 5. - ; -
CHATTER xvIlI.-continued.

Anita looked up at him steadily,
her lips half parted, but dumb and ex-
pr~essionless as If she had not heard.
There's another thing | wanted
you to know" be blurted out, desper-
ateiy afraid that his courage might
fail him before he told il all. when
they arrested me this morning I knew
nothing about Mrs. Ashton. and
thought Of course, It was on this
charge from Vicksburg. I made up
my mind at once not to talk until
you went home-it might drag your
name through the newspapers. They
would be saying that I came down
here to see you, coupling your name
with that Of a fugitive from justice.
and I could not endure that
II was standing in front OF Pedro's
cafe that night when you and Alice
and Mrs. Ashton got out Of the cab;
I saw you go into the hotel. After
that I walked the street all night
That's how I happened to see the am
bulance-but thought nothing Of it in
connection with your party. Early
that morning / tried to get that pig
headed Frenchman to take you a note.
or to arrange it SO I could see you.
lie said it would ruin the reputation
OF his house. and we nearly had a
row about Il. OF course l could not
afford a brawi with him. SO / went
away. I think now he must have
been suspicious Of everybody because
he had sent Mrs. Ashton to the pest
house"
Anita looked away a moment and
the tears began 70 crowd into her
eyes.
Now" he stood up very straight,
for ne had cast the burden from his
conscience. that IS all. everything.
Let me sit here a minute and try to
forget; I am very tired.
He took a seat YEARLY. Anita saw
bis head droop forwad. saw him cover
his face with his hands.
Anita. his voice was very low. but
she heard it; Il ought not to have
come to you, and troubled you with
this. / have nothing now TO omef you.
not even myself. But did want 10
see you. just this once before before
I go-baek
Without q moments hesitation she
slipped over and knelt beside him
This was her place. beside him; out
OF all the world ne had come to her;
he was hers. and she had the right.
She knelt beside and comforted him
as naturally as II she had been his
wife for half a lifetime; she kissed
MS forehead 80 gently that he was
scarcely conscious Of IT, He only felt
the purity, the s~anctidcation OF her
love. was only conscious Of his souls
redemption.
He drew her closer 10 him. kissed
the lips that quivered and did not
turn away. kissed the eyes that had
only sympathy and pardon IN them.
You mustn't make a coward Of me. "
he murmured. and gently untwined
her arms. Then he rose and stood
for a moment looking down upon her
as she knelt beside the vacant chair.
"Good-hy" he said. moving toward
the door.
mo, DO. no." she sprang up with
a cry. almost q scream. He turned
and caught her AZ she came flying 10
him Valnly she battled 20 control
NNNNHAA AAA MNhNN kNAtN NHAa ~
Taxed and gave way in his arms.
You must 80. 90" she whispered
ego. and-take me-
Once she had formed the determine
fi0n, once she dared breathe Il 10 him.
she pleaded desperately. boldly, de-
family peaded for a yoman's very
lite.
Yes yes. you must take me. I
could not bear 10 stay here while you
were wandering in that dreadful
country. I wouldn't even know where
you were you might be nl-no one
20 hur5o you-you might die. ! can't
let you go. can't, / can't"
The slender fingers were clasped
like cords Of brass behind his neck,
80 uhyieldingly she held him. The
round young arms touched his throat,
and the t~hrobblng Of her pulses mad
deued BIN
His heart stood still. then bounded
upward with one great burst OF ex-
ultation.
'Take me. Noel; ri be no trouble.
indeed ! Won't, / promise" and the
bllndins mists swan before her.
A new and boundless world
stretched out suddenly before him.
lie saw 4 new land, a new life-vast
mountains. the surging seas. the wild
free birds-and love. lie grew
stronger. his brain cleared, and life
giitlered with a n Ter glory. The
strongth Of his ar crushed her 70
him. and Anita LEV thai she had
won.
ne lo0sed her slowly led her 10 q
chair and took his seat beside her. Il
could bc done OF course 4 could BE-
done. hut he must think
Yts. sea, be began, eKcitadiy ~
can Az some easily done But NJ
esull ri smugeie your trunk out o.
a. ttr II you haven't q bag ln