The San Francisco call., 1908-08-16

off an forget him-that's the only
way-an' that's what he'd want you
to do himself You're too nice woman
to be tied up to soak like that. Cut
him out-for the kids sake!"
"oh." she cried, "he told you about
Ethel?"
That must be the kid-yes. Don't
take on, ma'am; leave him go. He's no
fit father for the kid
She had arisen impatiently and now
she tossed back her golden head. "Oh.
no, no. she exclaimed. why, I've
spent year searching for him, without
hope. I must speak to him now. 1t
must be he. I must take him away and
care for him-oh, I'm sure 1 can cure
him! There's so much good in him
why, he wouldn't have deserted me if
he hadn't been ashamed OF himself.
can protect him from his own weakness
I'll never leave his sight. Let me goT'
Jake took off his arm unwillingIy.
She threw open the door and looked out
into the saloon. 1t was empty. With
out a word she ran to the swinging
doors and disappeared outside.
There was another door in the parti-
ton at the rear, beside that of the
ladies room" 1t led to the family
entrance" This door was now slowly
pushed open and gaunt, white face
looked in, staring. The drunkard en-
tered softly and walked up to the bar
tender, whispering:
Has she gomez" he asked
Jake looked him over with scornful
scowl.
YES" he said "A good thing. too
Now you go" Then at sight of the
mans distress he added. by God, you
have got a little blood in your neck,
haven't you'll didn't think there was
man enough left of you. 1 thought you
was asleep. anyway. How did you
known
The man was shivering pitifully. Il
heard her voice. 1 thought 1 was
dreaming at first. Then 1 got up and
came over and listened. God! To think
of finding her here. I had only just
time to get away
you back for? Beat it, man. she may
be back any minute. For God sake.
don't let her find you here. Think of
the kid.,'
She wanted to take me backs' said
the man, as If in a dream. Think of
it! After all this" He hesitated and
to1k a step toward the side door
Don't think of it, damn you." the bar
tender exclaimed. This is your chance
to make good if you care bean for
her. She's mile too good for you. Do
you want to queer her for good?"
The man shook his head His face
was drawn with anguish. "Oh. II
could only get just one look at her
that's ALL But III go"
He took a single unsteady step toward
the door. His foot landed upon the
crystal ball and his ankle turned under
Nhim. He fell heavily. with a groan, and
as he came down his head struck
against a brass cuspidor with a terrific
crash. Then he lay limp upon the floor.
Jake bent over him, turned him on his
with a towel The man was uncon-
scious Going In behind the bar. Jake
filed glass with brandy and came
back with it. stopped down and was
about to hold it to the mans lips. when
the swinging doors fiewsopen again and
the lady entered. She gave but single
startled glance at the group. then ran
to it, and. kneeling, dashed the tumbler
from the bar keepers hand.
"Oh. no. Not that!" she cried hys-
terically. Then she bent over and kissed
the unconscious man on his lips and
held him in her arms.
Il only wanted to bring him to-" said
Jake. This won't do no hurt"
Telephone for a doctorl I'll bring
him tor she exclaimed without looking
up. and then. half crying. What's the
matter? Is he badly hurt?"
Jake arose clumsily. II guess tbat,s
him all right" he said NO. he ain.t
hurt much. Twisted his ankle. thara