Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-06-04


was all she remembered
II was all plain TO me now. 4 rob.
Der had persuaded the coachmnn to
let him ride had given him drugged
cigar and had then administered ether
or chloroform 10 the lady inside aud
robbed her. This explained her ask
Ing II ! was the man who had been
beside her.
The lady on coming to herself was IN
u much better condition than the
coachman. The drug used In his case
had undoubtedly been different from
that used on her
Il think you must be gentleman"
she said. Judging from the tone Of
your voice"
II return the compliment. Your
voice is not only that Of a lady, but is
very soft and sweet"
ut seems 10 me that ! have heard
yours before" she said after pause.
Il was going 10 say the same Of
yours"
I'VE may be acquainted
Quite possibly"
"Who are your
by this time II struck me that this
was quite an adventure. was not
disposed TO spoil II by giving up my
identity too soon. gave fictitious
name.
I'm disappointed" she said. ~ was
sure | knew you, and would have
felt so relieved II you had turned out
to be one Of my friends"
Il assure you Of my protection. But
You have not given me your own
name"
THAT Is not necessary since l have
learned that we are not acquainted.
wish | could see you. Have you no
way Of making n light?"
Il had only one match. and I have
used that do not need TO see you
TO know that you are young aud beau
tiful."
Il am young, but fright. am
pltted with smallpox scars. suppose
| needn't ask you IL you are hand
somc!'
Il am considered the homelicst man
in my set"
She had so far recovered her equa-
nlmity TO give little laugh.
do you live hereabout!" she asked.
yes: in Roscdale. have been to q
musicale In Bloomington"
And have been to dance there"
AT the Sprngcrs'.'
"Yeg n0 yOu know thams's
Il do. I was invited 10 their dance.
but had previously accepted an invita-
ton ut the Deerings'.'
1--WE know the same people, then"
"And you are reassured;"
Certainly"
"And don't feel any conjunction ut
riding In pitch darkness with strange
gentleman"
"None whatever. since am sure he
Is a gentleman"
"You can trust me. have recently
become engaged"
ooh. then I'm safe indeed
This was said IN a tone that made
me take notice. II did not seem TO me
that the lady cared especially abou;
being so safe. permitted my hand
to fall upon hers. She allowed II 10
remain there
You are not the person you claim
TO be ut MI" she said. Il didn't recog.
ni2e you at first. but I have done so
slnce.'
"Indeed.'
And | question IL you are one of
the goody-goody kind"
II don't know that | am"
Are you really engaged?"
Il certainly am"
She leaned very close against mo-
and felt her warm breath on my
cheek. was sure that. knowing me
she was intending 10 play some prank
ON me, get me 10 kiss her and tell m,
fiancec. or something like that steel
ed myself against her Establishments
was really more interested In dis.
covering who she was than anythinl
else.
do you know my iianceei'' asked
Yes. do"
do you admire hcrT'
Not especially"
"Will you give me five guesses?"
Not one
Just then we passed ON n horrible
scoop In the road. She was thrown
against me. her cheek being pressed
against mine. My will power wat
broken. twisted my arm around her
neck, held her fast and kissed her.
| She freed herself.
There was an omin0us silence.
NOW | suppose you're going To-
blame me-"
No answer.
at IL rather or color for me 10 take
advantage of this peculiar situation TO
take kiss
Was that n sobi
| Great heavens. What had done:
l must have mistaken her My action
had been black ms the night. ] would
give five years OF my life 10 recall that
kiss.
Forgive me-" pleaded.
| "Neycr-'
Good gracious. Suppose she told this