The Huttig news., 1908-08-29
1907, A. c. Mcclurs s Co. Chicago
Illustrations by Art. Williamson
CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK.

was Well Tn rom the mouth, 6nd only little light came in by day: at night it was Egyptian darkness. Some one brought me food Foodl" he re peated with shiver. What I didn't eat tasted best
 "Oh, my poor love!" Esther mur mured unsteadily.
 T counted the days at first then lost the count. That terrified me more than all the rest"
 How long was 1t? You learned afterward ?'
 Nearly a month";
 Don't you know where the place is ?"
 No. No one does except the mis- ereants who put me there
 They have never found-don't they know?" Esther faltered.
 Not word. I never saw my taller. He used a dark lantern and came only at night. l never heard his voice; he always whispered. I think he was an Indian. The night he freed me and told me to go a gun at my back bur ried me- warned me neither to look around nor speak. 1 hastened along steep path that led from the mouth of the tunnel. Dearest, you can never know what rapture it was to see the stars again, I can only guess how far l went before l fell, striking my head When | recovered consciousness couldn't stand, but erept on slowly in the darkness"
 Esther streked his hand softly, ut did not speak.
 T don't know how far, or what hap pened I-'
 And them" she questioned as he halted.
 The hospital at Sacramento. opened my eyes to sanity more than three months after the trip to Gid cons mine"
 And you've been in danger since, many times. haven't you2'
 Oh. no; not often. Don't fancy me charging danger every day, sweet heart, like modern Saint George"
 Yet. your business in San Francisco -I know. you had enemies, have them now-company's enemies
 Well, that need trouble you no more. I'm to have other work to do. l did have one escape there; it might have been my end. One night ruff fan caught me from behind on a dark street: and some one else immediately wrenched him away and whispered in my ear, 'Run!' 1 haven't the slightest idea who either of them was. though I've tried hard to discover the man who saved me"
 Esther listening, breathless. knew it must have been Gideon; but she was mute.
 A chill hand on her cheek startled her. Out of the blanket against or derst" she exclaimed When did you eat last? And please keep the blanket snug she coaxed.
 "This-no, yesterday morning. re- Front at once, just after arriving at Elko from another trip; took the first train out. which happened to be the iron train; did telegraphing at Toano that used up my dinner time, and you know the rest
 Esther detected growing weakness in his voice. 'fI must get you some supper-breakfast, I guess it will be" she said decisively.
 He laughed From were?"
 From our larder," she answered iauntily Fortunately, it is full, and raw cabbage is digestible'
 She pulled open a head, and shredded some of the crisp center into the hollow of a large leaf Now, you are to be full of faith-'faith is the substance of things hoped for'-you must believe this an elegant repast Also be sentimental, fancy the touch of my--supply your own adjectives-- the touch of my fingers adds a most piquant flavor. No; shall feed you"
 "I'll behave if you'll tuck me in again." he said with mock humility. taking the white bits from her fingers. Why. it's good!"
 Certainly. I intended you to say that. Don't be in haste. You were very hungry I've dessert, also; this is to be a course dinner She sur. prised him with box of candy from one Of her bags. Uncle Billy's gift, and right from Sacramento" she ex. plained.
 She laid the several kinds on differ ent cabbage leaves, and leased him tantalizingly as she wisely dallied with her serving.
 This is the third time you've pre-. sided at my early morning table; the first as my desert rose, next as Juliet, now"
 As Railroad Bridget"
 He was taking a lover's way of making her retract the lowly name when a distant gleam warned him of the journeys end. There's Toano We'll be there in 20 minutes haven't said half l wish. Oh. my darling, I'm just the same nameless man, I've mt thinu tn Offpr Vnu Will uo.i urait