The newspaper., 1909-02-05
Continued from page fourl

then began slowly TO back out into
the road. For an instant it seemed to
hang palpitant on dead center, then
SHOT out like hound unleashed, ven
tre-a-terre-Brooklyn miles away over
the hood.
1t seemed but a minute ere they
were laundering over the Myannis
bridge little further on Maitland
slowed down and, jumping out. lighted
the lamps. In the seat again-no
words had passed-he threw in the
high-speed clutch, and the world flung
behind them, roaring. Thereafter,
breathless, stunned by the frenzy of
sreed, perforce silent, they bored on
through the night, crashing along de-
serted highways.
In the east a band of pallid light
lifted up out of the night, and the
horizon took shape against it, stark
and black. Slowly. stealthily, the
formless dawn dusk spread over the
sleeping world; to the zenith the light
smitten stars reeled and died, and
houses. fields, and thoroughfares lay
a aglimmer with ghostly twilight as the
car tore headiong through the grim
unlovely Silent hinterland of Long
Island City.
The gates of the ferry-house were in
exorably shut against them when at
last Maitland brought the big machine
TO a tremulous and painting halt, like
that of an overdriven thoroughbred.
And though they perforce endured
wait of fully Is minutes. neither found
aught worth saying: or else the words
1. 4, ~, . h. 4, ,fc
were denied them. The girl seemed very
weary, and sat with head dropping and
hands clasped idly in her lap. To
Maitland's hesitant query as to her
comfort she return a monosyllabic re-
assurance He did not again venture
10 disturb her; on his own Part he was
conscious of a clogging sense of ex-
haustion. of "A drawn and haggard feel
ing about the eyes and temples; and
knew that he was keeping awake
automatically. his being already a.
doze.
The fresh wind OFF the sullen river
served in some measure to revive
them once the gates were opened and
the car had taken place on the fer
ry-boat's forward extreme. Day was
now full upon the world: above hori-
zon belted with bright magenta. the
cloudless sky was soft turquoise and
sapphire; and abruptly. while the big
unwieldy boat surged across the mar
row ribbon of green water. the sun
shot up with shout and turned to
an evanescent dream of fairy-land the
gaunt. rock-ribbed profile of Manhat-
tan island. bullxing above them in tier
upon tier of monstrous buildings.
On the Manhattan side. in Difference
to the girls low-spoken wish Maitland
ran the machine up to Second avenue,
turned north. and brought 1t to a stop
by the curb. a little north of Thirty
fifth street.
And now whither?" he inquired.
hands somewhat impatiently ready
upon the driving and steering gear.
The girl smiled family through her
veil. You have been most kind" she
told him in tired voice. Thank you
from my heart. Mr.. Anisty." and
made a move as II to relieve him of
his charge.
is that all?" he demanded. blankly.
Can l say more?'
Il am to go no further
Win you! SICK WIN disappointment,
he rose and dropped to the sidewalk
anticipating her affirmative answer.
'If you would please me-" said the
girl, you won't insist"
IT don't" he returned, ruefully.
But are you quite sure that you're all
right now"
Quite. thank you. dear Mr.. Anisty,'
With a pretty gesture of conquering
impulse she swept her veil aside. and
the warm rose-glow Of the newborn
day tinted her wan young cheeks with
color. And her eyes were as stars.
bright with a mist Of emotion, brim-
ming with gratutude-and something
else. Te could not say what; but one
thing he knew, and that was that she
was worn with excitement and fatigue,
near to the point Of breaking down.
You're tired" he insisted. solicit
tous Cant you let me"
81 am tired" she admitted. wistfully,
voice subdued. yet rich and vibrant.
mo, please. Please let me go. Don't
ask me any questions-now."
"Only one" he made supplication.
1--WE done nothing"
Nothing but be more kind than I
can say"
"And you're not going to back out
OF our partnership"