Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-02-05

fair that you have come to see meY'
he asked tactlessly. Il warn you.
Shirley-don't. Hands CIR
Shirley looked him In the face.
BILLY Murgatroyd. you've got to
help these people outy'
III such a thing were possible. Shir-
ley. you're the one person to make me
do IT,"
You must do It," she persisted and
looked at him appcalingly. "Of
course the man could not have been
himself"
Probably not" he said coldly. But
OF one thing you may be sure-Chal-
loner had a purpose in all this
I suppose you realize that this thing
is going TO XIII Miriam Challonerg'
Shaking his head. Murgatroyd rose
and began TO pace the floor At last
he stopped directly in front OF her.
"ShiTley"-it was surprising how
gentle his voice could be at times-"I
want you 60 realize the circumstances
Of this case. which you seem to have
forgotten. In the presence OF several
people. including yourself. this man
has deliberately confessed TO a pre-
meditated murder. A man in my Gus
tody is a witness to the facts. No: n
Challoner were my brother or my IA
sacr-more than that. II you were in
Challoner's place today should have
20 try you-convict you"
But the condition that made him do
this thing was abnormal" she per
sisted
Like other men OF his kind" re-
turned Murgatroyd. "Chalioners de
cent Gt times; but, generally speaking.
he's irreuievably bad"
But can't you get him OF in some
wayg There are ways. and you know
t."
Murgatroyd smiled grimly.
My dear girl. II I would do this
thing I Souldn't shall go a step
further. II / could do Il wouldn't
couldn't look you in the face II 1 did
IT,"
You're crueI.7 she cried. rising. Il
ought not 20 have come. However. I
have done what could for a friend. {"
she flung back at him and started to-
ward the door.
MurgaUoyd blocked her way.
NO, he said good humoredly, not
the least disconnected by her parting
shot. Its nay turn now. You have
attempted 20 corrupt me. swerve me
from my duty. and
And wasted your time. I suppose.
as you were good enough 10 remind
me on previous occasion" she re-
turned. looking mp saucily at him IN
der her lashes.
Murgatroyd was quick TO detect her
change OF mood. saving.
Wont YOU FOR the moment forget
the Challouers. Shirley BE kind. You
give me little opportunity TO see you
alone these days
III you're going 10 make love to me
In that awfully serious way OF yours.
or. for that matter. ln any other way.
I'll go"
Aren't you going 90 marry me. Shir.
ley be demanded with characteristic
dircctucss.
same old story" laughed the girl.
ayes; this is the sixth time now
that I've asked YOU. Again. viii you
marry meT'
Don't Doe silly This is hardly tho
place. Billy"
i quite agree with you. But one
has TO make the most OF opportunity.
As said before. the occasions are au
too rare when hDd myself alooe with
you. And unless you want me 20 kccp
asking you speak the word now. Shir
ley. Make me happy. You may as
well say IL first as last. for I'm deter
mined 20 win you. I'm goiES 10 have
your De wound up energetcaHy.
Then why bother about my con
sentg' A smile lowered around her
lips
Why do you persist in refusing
meg"
Shirley flushed.
rs IL because OF Thorneg Is he my
successful rivalT' be ventured.
Shirley looked perturbed.
mo. It's not because OF Thorne.
wish Il were" And after moment
DO you still want 10 know"
"Yes; I've got to know, Shirley"
viii You stay right where you are
n I tell your
Il PROMISE" raising his right hand
half playfully.
We'll. then. it's because l love you. {"
she said easily.
Murgatroyd sprang toward her.
Shirley
The girl quickly waved him back.
Its because love you or believe
that i do that / shall never marry
you. l mean IT,"
But why?" he faltered.
Shirley sighed unconsciously.
1T is time that made myself plain.
understood to you. not because you're
entitled 10 an explanation. but be-
cause-well. because I like you Just a
bit"
A serious look was on ner face. She
seemed suddenly TO have changed.
The thousand and one little manner
isms that were so large a part OF the
girls attracuveness were all there. but
the voice was no longer the mirthful
voice OF the Shirley that he knew and
loved She spoke as though in a |
trance:
Can you understand me when / say |
that ] have got 70 have something !