Evening star., 1907-09-03

tized my vllainy and the slothful desires
that felt were eating out my manhood
and sitting my conscience.
Then came startling awakening.
had been out in the automobile on the
Belfast road and was returning. The auto
was running slowly; the road skirting the
bay, gives alluring views that change with
each turn. Not far ahead on the right
the summer cottages frightened the slopes
of the mountain My thoughts were with
the blue islands. with the white sails limned
against wave and sky, but principally with
Mrs. Randolph. had asked her to accom-
pany me that afternoon, as l always did
but she had urged a headache and> de-
clned.
Thoughts OF her were beginning to ex-
clude all other thoughts. when l heard a
familiar voice, as in challenge, and looking
up | saw Courtney Lane. He stood before
me in the road and had hailed me. At
sight of him my blood boiled and my mind
became homcidal. The impulse was strong
in me to dash over him, hurl him to the
ground, pulverize him under the heavy
wheels and leave him a bleeding corpse in
the highway.
Get out of my way"' 1 shouted in a
passion.
Just IA word with you,' he said, his hand
raised.
Get out of my way!" 1 shouted again.
You villain. III run you down if you
don't get out of my way"
He did not move and | Swerved the car
to pass him AS l did So he struck the
auto with quick jump. and before / could
do anything to prevent he was in beside
me.
Il want talk with you, out here where
we shall be unmolested," he said coolly,
dropping into the seat.
HIS assurance was monumental. My
hands were on the steering wheel, but my
eyes glared at him. He was Young and
strong and muscular. as that jump showed.
His steely blue eyes looked into mine His
business suit of brown and his brown
derby hat were pearly with the gray
powder of road dust.
You cant frghten me-" he said. and
thought his thin-mustach ched upper lip lifted
in sneer or a snarl. I'm resolved to have
a talk with you. I've come all the way
from New York for that purpose. Il YOU
won't talk with me here you will talk with
me in the town, or even before witnesses
You had better let me say here what I've
got to say"
l sank back against the cushions trem-
bling with rage and weakness.
well. what is it?" l demanded
Don't you think the time has come for
you TO drop this?"
Drop what?' L asked
What you're doing-this stupendous
game of fraud, by which you are making
Mrs Randolph believe that you are heI
husband think you have hypnotized
her. for ii is inconceivable otherwise thai
| she should think so for minute. For you
| know that know who you are. Why con-
| tinue it?'
| The big auto-car was Zigzagging from
| side to side of the road, for my fingers
| We're nerveless. and my eyes were fixed or
| his face rather than on the highway
You have no right to question me-"
said. "as to what j do or don't do.
| know you for a swindl!ng villain, who t.
4 save himself from exposure has tried t.
| have me arrested, and"
| What's the use?' he said, and he threw
| out his hand in protesting gesture. "Yol
| can't continue this game. and you ough
| to know It. I've got all the proofs agains
1 you l want or need"
| Then why dent you use them?" I criet
! deiiantly.
| Il have delayed for the sake of Mrs
| Randolph. That is the only reason.
went faster at York Harbor and in New