The Irish standard., 1908-02-22

PAoSoA SA0S AoAA0 WV SsSSS W. NoAO
had been trained to quick action, and
superb health left no room for cob
webs to linger in the brain when she
was suddenly aroused. She had no
need for explanations. The shot was
enough II more was needed there was
the lighted window across the way
and here was Louise crouched before
| their own. Swiftly and silently she
seized her revolver from the bureau,
glided to the window and fired three
times in rapid succession. the reports
mingling with the sound of shattered
glass.
II think I hit him the second time,
/ Louise" she said, with dull calm.
/ Il can't be sure
She lighted lamp and began to
!. dress mechanically. Louise stayed not
to answer. In the hall she encountered
Paul Langford, just as another shot
rang out.
Go back, Miss Dale" he cried, hur.
riedly but peremptorily. You mustn't
come. am afraid there has been
foul play"
She looked at him. 1t hurt, that
| look.
He is dead" she whispered, 81 am
going to him." and glided away from
his OBTAINING hand.
He hurried after her. Others had
been aroused by the nearness OF the
pistol shots. Doors were thrown open.
Voices demanded the meaning Of the
disturbance. Putting his arm around
the trembling girl Langford hastened
across the street with her. At the door
of Gordon's office he paused.
Il will go in first, Louise. You stay
here"
He spoke authoritatively: but she
slipped in ahead of him. Her arms
fell softly over the bowed shoulders.
Her cheek dropped to the dark. gray
streaked hair. There was little change,
seemingly. The form was only lit.
tie more relaxed. the attitude only a
little more helpless. 1t seemed as IL
he might have been sleeping. There
was sound, faint drip. drip. drip,
in the room. 1t was steady, monoton-
GUS. like drops falling from rain pipes
after the storm is over. Langford
opened the door.
~Doc! Doc Lockhart! Some one
send Doc over here quick? Gordon's
Office. Be quick about it," he cried,
In loud, firm voice. Then he closed
the door and locked it. In response
to his call footsteps were heard run
ming. The door was tried. Then came
loud knocking and voice demanding
admittance.
mo one can come in but Doc" cried
Langford through the keyhole. Send
him quick, somebody, for Gods sake!
Where's Jim Munson? He'll get him
here Quick, tell you!"
He fastened back to the side Of his
friend and passed his hand gently over
the right side to find the place
whence came that heartbreaking drip.
Disappointed in their desire to get in
men crowded before the window.
Louise stepped softly forward and
drew the blind between him and the
mass Of curious faces without. She
was very pale, but quiet and self
possessed. She had rallied when
Langford had whispered to her that
Gordon's heart was still beating. The
doctor raped loudly, calling to Lang.
ford to open. Paul admitted him and
then stepped out in full sight of all,
his hand still on the knob. The late
moon was just rising. A faint light
spread out before him.
Boys" he cried. great grief in his
stern voice, "its murder. Dick Cor.
don's murdered. Now get-you know
what for-and be quick about it,"
They laid him gently on the floor,
took of his coat and cut away the
blood-soaked shirts. Louise assisted
with deft, tender hands. Presently
the heavy lids lifted, the gray eyes
stared vacantly for a moment-then
smiled. Paul bent over him.
What happened, old man." the
wounded man whispered gropingly 1t
required much effort to say this little,
and a shadow of pain fell over his
face.
Hush, Dick. dear boy" said Lang
ford, with a catch in his voice. you're
all right now. but you mustn't talk.
You're too weak We are going to
move you across to the hotel"
But what happened?" he insisted.
"You were shot. you know, Dick.
Keep quiet now! I'm going for q
stretcher."
Am 1 done for?" the weak voice
kept on. But there was no fear in it.
"You will be if you keep on talking
like that
Obeying a sign from the doctor he
slipped away and out. Gordon closed
his eyes and was still for long time.
His face was white and drawn with
suffering.
Has he fainted?" whispered Louise
The eyes opened quickly. They fell
upon Louise, who had not time to
draw away. The shadow of the old
sweet smile came and lowered around
his lips.