The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-12-17


had Just occurred. Her heart seemed
to be pressed down by weight, and
her breath came painfully through her
contracted throat. She could not be-
lfeve that what she had gone through
was real, the thing was so mon
strous, 30 utterly inconceivable. Her
husband, Joe, for love of whom she
had given up life Of ease, for whom
she had borne cheerfully the trials Of
poverty, In whom she had placed her
entire faith, tAis man, to whom she
had yielded herself trustingly, in
whom, up to that hour, she had be-
lieved as the soul of honor, had stood
exposed as a thief and a liar.
To save himself from the impending
punishment of his dishonesty he was
willing to trade the honor Of his wife!
To maintain himself in the material
ease that his thieving had brought
them for few brief weeks he wanted
her to prostitute herself for money
had entreated and threatened in his
efforts to force her to do this thing!
And she, driven to desperation, had let
him arrange a rendezvous for her with
Captain Williams in the latter's rooms!
She stopped and leaned against
wall for support. A violent trembling
had seized her, and the street lights
were whirling about her.
my Godw she groaned. what shall
do? What shall do?"
The fit Of faintness passed off, and
she was able to collect her thoughts
and consider the best course of action.
When she had undertaken to call on
Captain Williams at that hour 1t was
with no thought Of lending herself to
her husbands hideous plan. In
vague, hopeless way she had resolved
to beg mercy for him, to see If there
was not some manner In which atone
ment and restitution could be made.
Now she was afraid. If she went to
him, how could she approach him
what could she say? What would he
think Of her coming to his rooms, at
night too? He would think, and under
the circumstances naturally think, only
one thing. And she would be complete
ly in the power of this colossus, this
ogre whom she secretly feared and de-
unwelcome admiration Of her when she
was powerless to resent it.
Her impulse was to turn from the
ordeal and fly from her husband, leav-
ing him to the fate he merited. She
could go to her mothers home and
await her return from the theater. She
would at least find a refuge there. But
in the morning would come the public
exposure and disgrace. No; she must
make the effort, whatever the cost,
whatever the sacrifice.
Ten minutes later she was Kn0ckmg
at Captain Williams apartment.
The door swung open, and the cap
tain stood before her.
"Come right in, Mrs. Brooks" he in
vited. "I've been waiting for you."
81 was delayed a little," she said
timidly.
"Your husband telephoned that you
were coming"
"Yes-I know"
The words came falteringly, and she
stood, knowing not what to say or
what to DO.
"Did you meet Smith" he inquired.
"SmithY'
"Your friend Jimsy. He just left"
"No. Why"
"Must have passed you in the ele-
vator. It does not matter. Won't you
sit DOWN."
She took the chair he advanced fol-
her close to the table.
"You must excuse the looks Of these
quarters" he went on. "I am an old
T=T..:,:c==. T=T..-,:=. ~"n know. and my Jap valet
amt allowed to dust up or clean much
Knocks out all my idea Of arrange
ments."
"It is a quaint place." ventured
Emma.
Eyes. Lived here ever since I've
been In New York. fixed it up tc
suit myself. 1t amt what you'd cal
exactly pretty. but as I'm the only
one to be pleased guess it'll DO"
almost a curiosity shop" she com
mented, surveying the room with n
good deal of nervousness.
Eyes, stun I've collected from time
to time while was at sea. Got about
everything I ever wanted to keep, from
the wheel Of my first schooner down tc
spears from head hunters. There's
models OF boats and a lot Of stuff
You see, I call this my main cabin
sort Of grand salon. Over there
bunk with my crew, just one Jap, and
the galley's to the rear. In then
rooms Sato gets my breakfast, steals
my loose change and lies most Of the
time. Got another room over there
Seldom use that; got 1t fixed up nice
and civilized. Guess that's why
amt feeling comfortable II try It,"
These details were Of no interest t.
Mrs. Brooks, who desired only to bring
the interview to an end a. speedily al
possible.
II came right up-asked the elevator
boy. Perhaps should have asked a
the Qlace," she said
''lsot AZ an" he answered In . man