The Falls City tribune., 1909-11-19
HER SECOND
WIND
Copyright, by Daily Story Pub. Coz
By W. c. SCOTT

Die sloOu dL the NlHuON anu
looked out into the street, her form
displayed TO advantage in a close-fit-
ting suit cher last; all the others had
been sold of stylish cut, against the
daylight glare.
Wait for my second Wind?" she
seo%rnfully cried; I'D starve!"
There's Van Court; but not that"
She gazed into the mirror at a white,
haggard face, illuminated by two wild
eyes. The reflection startled her. She
impulsiveiy pressed her fingers to her
eyes and s~huddered. Then she
elenched her white hands-fear
should not shake her resolve. Death
must be welcome. the uncertainty OF
the nature of the hereafter could not
alter her intention. The frowns of
Fortune had driven her on. Surely it
was not her fault il she was not su-
nerior TO the ills of life that menaced
her. Her life was her own; she had
no further use for it, and would end
il all. With a steady hand she opened
The dresser drawer (empty) and took
ont a small bottle. Fascinated, she
Pazed at the label, and with a strange
eXultation she read: "Garbolic acid"
1T was the cheapest-and it is GER
taini' She put the bottle down and
her eyes fell Upon her check book.
She smiled bitterly. oh, I'm so
hungry, but of what use are you to
me?" She picked the book up aim
lessly, and at the contact a hot
thought Kissed into her be~wildered
brain. Her eyes glared and her
checks flared a dull red. Why not?
Why not?" she painted. Now her
limbs were trembling, and she sat
down abruptly. But in an instant she
stood up rigid, the thought still hiss.
ing in her brain.
I'll do it,-it-is-my-second-
windl"
And then a hopeless expression
elouded the glitter in her eyes and she
sank Imply back into the chair
moaning: No, no. Let me think"
Suddenly a harsh exclamation
leaped from her dry lips. She leaped
to her feet and ran across the room
to the dresser.
I'm getting tiny second wind
the woman painted.
She looked at the face in the mir
ror with new interest. 1t was pale,
but calm, determined; and the large
eyes were steady. resolute and fear
less. Deity she rearranged her hair;
put on her hat and veil, and taking
the check book went out into the hall.
She tapped on a door to the left. A
middle-aged lady opened it.
oh, Mrs, Warner. | wonder if you
would allow me to wear your furs
downtown. | have +some good news.
You know where my W are"
Why, my dear girl, of course you
can. | hope it will be your second
wind, as you call it. And, now, when
YOU come back | want you to stay for
supper, Miss Roberts, invited Mrs.
Warner, as she brought the furs.
THANK you; oh, thank you so
pueh, | know this viii turn out all
right. Il has got to- she Whispered
to uHr.e1f as she ran down 10 the
street. She looked very stylish, and
as she turned into Wards
piano store, the manager himself
sprang forward to open the door.
"A piano? Aim, yes. Please step
this, way, lady. Here is an elegant up
right, mahogany, for $500. five per
cent. off for cash"
Yes, lady, the first tuning is free
of charge. You would like to hear its
tone? Simpson; here. please
II would like a higher tone" de-
clared Miss Roberts.
we will change it." said the man.
ager.
THANK you. Then, I'll take this
instrument. You will deliver it to.
morrow? oh, the next day; very well.
The address-Miss Mamie Roberts,
1928 Fairyiew place. You said five
per cen off for cash? I'll pay you
now; the amount is, let me se%e-$760.
Isn't that right" she asked as she
produced the check book. The man
ager bowed and handed her an ele-
giant fountain pen. She smiled de-
preciatingly, and pushed the check
book oyer to him.
Would you mind filling il out? TM
not familiar with the-the-thank you
much" He wrote the check and
she signed it. Then, smiling, he bowed
her out with an elaborate flourish.
81 don't know her, and she was
easy, so | just raised it a hundred"
laughed the manager to his assistant.
Good instrument. though"
At four o'clock the next day there
was a hurried rap on Miss Roberts
door. She drew a quick breath,
opened it and confronted a small boy
who thrust an envelope into her hand.
She broke the seal.
1t contained a note and her check.
The note an: Some error-no funds;
call. Maebeth-Ward Piano Co."
"Tll arrange to drop in tomorrow"
she said to the boy, and closed the
door. Flushed and trembling, she
to the window and inspected
the returned check. Yes, thank good
ness!-there was the piano company's