Lewiston evening teller. [volume] (Lewiston, Idaho) 1903-1911, 1908-02-20
probably clear minded enough to re-

by instinct ana experience normally
temperate, only what was abnormal
and Inherited might work mischief
in this man. His listlessness. his easy
acquiescence, were but consequent up
on the self knowledge of self control.
but mastery of the master vice re-
quired something different. He was
sick of sickness, and because in this
sickness will, mind and body are faint
ed, too. reason and logic lack charity,
and to the signals of danger his reply
had always been either overconfdent
or weak, and it had been always the
same reply: mot yet. There is time"
And now, this last week, it had come
upon him that the time was now. The
skirmish was already on, and it had
alarmed him suddenly to find that the
skirmish was already a battle, and
rough one.
AS he stood there he heard voices on
the stairs. People had already begun
to retire. because late cards and point
shooting at dawn do not agree. And
point shooting picnic in snugly elab-
crate blinds was popular with women,
or was supposed to be.
Little by little the tumult died away.
He turned and looked grimly at his
bed; then, shutting off the lights, he
opened his door and went out into the
| deserted corridor, where the elevator
shaft was dark and only the dim night
! lights burned at angles In the passage
ways.
| He had his rain coat and cap with
| him, not being certain Of what he
might be driven to, but for the present
| he found the bay window overlooking
| the swimming tank sufficient to begin
the vigil.
| Secure from intrusion, as there were
no bedrooms on that corridor, he toss
ed coat and cap into the window seat,
| walked to and fro for awhile listening
| to the rain, then sat down, his well
| shaped head between his hands, and in
| silence he faced the enemy.
| How long he had sat there he did
| not know When he raised his face,
all gray and drawn with the tension
| of conflict, his eyes were not very
clear. nor did the figure standing there
in the dim light from the hall mean
anything for a moment.
.AIr. Siward?" in an uncertain voice,
almost whisper
He stood up mechanically, and she
saw his face.
"Are you ill2 What is itW
'Tn? No." He passed his hand over
his eyes. II fancy / was close to the
edge of Sleep" Some color came back
into his face He stood smiling now,
the significance of her presence dawn
Ing on him.
"Did you really come" he asked.
"This isn't very lovely but impalpa-
BILE astral vision, is itf'
'It's horribly imprudent, isn't itT'
she murmured, still considering the
rather drawn and pallid face of the
man before her. II came out of pure
; curiosity, Mr.. Siward."
She glanced about her. He moved
big bunch Of dollhouse roses so she
could pass, and she settled down light
ly on the edge of the window seat
When he had piled some big downy
cushions behind her back she made @
quick gesture of invitation.
II have only a moment" she said as
he seated himself beside her. PAR
of my curiosity is satisfied In finding
you here. didn't suppose you sc
faithful"
81 can be fairly faithful. What elst
are you curious aboutT'
"You said you had something impor
tant'-
ITO tell your So / did. That wa:
bribery, perjury, false pretenses, rob
berry under arms, anything you will
I only wanted you to come"
THAT is a shameful confessionp she
said, but her smile was gay enough
and she noiselessly shook out hel
fluffy skirts and settled herself triit
more deeply among the pillows.
"Of course" she observed absently
you are dreadfully mortified at your
, self"
Naturally" he admitted.
The patter of the rain attracted he
attention. She peered out through th'
blurred easements into the blackness
Then. picking up his cap and indicat
ing his rain coat, 'Why?' she asked.
''Oh. in case you hadn't come
"a walk? BY yourself? A nigh
; like this on the cliffs! You are no
perfectly mad. are you? What is tbs
matter. Mr. SiwardT'
well" be said, with a humorous
glance at her. Il haven't seen you fo
ages. That's not wholesome for me
you know"
But you see me now, and it does
, not seem TO benefit you"
81 feel much better" he insisted
laughing. and her blue eyes grew yer!
a, q lovely as til
u,r 1tT=lia smile brok
N-SElIll r. from them fl
ait lllb.Nsl uncertain re
2 Stf-72I1 \ \ ponse.