The newspaper., 1909-09-10

man.
'T'll CO." he at last growled.
Wouldn't do it even for you, but he's|
good as dead-lucky for him!"
Dead"
Dying. You stay away"
He went around the baobab and al
few PAGES along the cleft to the place|
where a limp form lay huddled on theI
lodges, out OF the mud. Slowly, as|
though drawn by the fascination of
horror, the girl crept after him. When
she saw the broken, storm-beatenI
thing that had been winthrope, sheI
stopped, and would have turned
back After all, as Blake had said.
he was dying
When she stood at the feet of theI
writhing figure, and looked down into|
the battered face. it required all her
will-power to keep from fainting.
Blake frowned up at her for an in
slant. but said nothing.
Winthrope was speaking. feebly andI
brokenly, yet distinctly: Really. did
not mean any harm-at first-youI
know. But a man does not always|
have control"
Not a beast like you!" growled|
Blake.
"OwI Don't 1t me, l say now, Tm|
done for! My legs are cold already
"oh, quick, Mr.. Blakel build fire!
1t may be, some hot broth"
Too late" muttered Blake. "See
here, Winthrope. there's no use lying
about it. You're going out mighty
soon. See II you can't die like 9
man"
Die, Gawd. but can't die-I can't
die Ow! 1t burns."
He flung up a hand. and sought "a
tear at his wounds.
Hold hardi" cried Blake. catching
the hand in an iron grip.
Something in his touch, or the tone
of command, seemed to cover the
wretched man into state Of abjecQ
submission.
"S'elp me. III cSnfess,-rll confess
ALL" he babbled. The stones are
sewed in the stomach pad; I 'ae I'd
take 'em hout OF their settings, and
melt up the gold" He paused. and
cunning smile stole over his distorted
features. "Ho, wot bloomin' lark
Valet plays the gent. an they never
as a hinkliHg, Mr.. Cecil winthrope
hif you please. an a int OF title
wot lark, 'Awkings. me lad. you're
a gay oa1er, wot q lark, wot
lark"
Again there was a pause. The
breath of the wounded man came I'D
labored gasps- There was an ominoua
rafting in his throat. Yet once agair|
he rallied. and this time his eyed
turned TO Miss Leslie. bright with ar|
agonized consciousness of her pres'
ence and OF all his guilt and shame.
His voice shrilled out in quaverinl
appeal: "Don't-don't look at me
miss, tried TO make myself a gen
tleman; God knows tried, | tough !
my way up out OF the East End-ouS
of that hell-and none ever lifted I'M
ger to help me. l educated mysel
| like a scholar-then the stock shark
| cheated me OF my savings-out OF tn
| last penny: and | had TO take service.
My God, a valet-his grace's valet
and a scholar, Do you wonder tn
| devil got into me? Do you"
Blake's deep voice. firm but strange
ly husky. broke in upon and silence3
the cry of agony: There. 1 guese
you've said enough
"Enoush-and last night My God
to be such a BEAST The devil tempted
me-aye. and he's paid me out in m
own coin, I'm done for, God hs
mercy on mcleod ha' mercy"
Again came the gasping rattle; thi
time there was no rally.
Blake thrust himself between Mis-
Leslie and the crumpled figure.
Get back around the tree" he sal
harshly.
What are you going TO do?"
That's my business" he replied II
thrust his burning-glass into he
hand Here; go and build a fire.
you can find any dry stuff."
You're not going to You'll bur
him,"
Yes. Whatever he may have beer
he's dead now, poor devil,"
81 can't CO." she half whispered
mot until-until I've learned Do 70
can you tell me just what is part
noia?''
Blake studied little. and tappe
the top of his head.
Near as can say. it's softening
the brain-up there"
DO you think that" she hesitate|