The Washburn leader., 1910-07-15

robbed her. This explained her ask u,
ing If I was the man who had been
beside her.
The lady on coming to herself was in
a much better condition than the
coachman. The drug used in his case
had undoubtedly been different from
that used on her.
II think you must be gentleman
she said. Judging from the tone of.s
your voice." ~
Il return the compliment Your
voice is not only that Of a lady. but is
very soft and sweet"
'1t seems to me that have heard
yours before" she said after pause.
II was going to say the same Of
yours"
1--WE may be acquainted
"Quite possibly"
"Who are you?"
By this time It struck me that this
was quite an adventure. was not
disposed to spoil 1t by giving up my
identity too soon. gave fictitious
name.
I'm disappointed" she said. II was
sure knew you. and ! would have
felt so relieved II you had turned out
to be one of my friends"
II assure you of my protection. But
you have not given me your own
name."
''That is not necessary since have
learned that we are not acquainted. I
wish could see you. Have you no
way of making light?"
81 had only one match. and have
used that do not need to see you
to know that you are young and beau
tiful."
Il am young, but fright am
pitted with smallpox scars. suppose
needn't ask you if you are hand
some?"
II am considered the homeliest man
in my set"
She had so far recovered her equa-
nimity to give Il little laugh.
do you live herea about?' she asked.
Yes; in Rosedale. have been to
musicale in Bloomington"
"And | have been to dance there"
"At the Springers'?"
Eyes. Do you know them?''
II do was invited to their dance.
but had previously accepted an invita-
ton at the Deerings'." !,
1--WE know the same people. then" "
''And you are reassured?"
"Certainly."
"And don't feel any compunction at
riding in pitch darkness with strange
gentleman"
"None whatever. since I am sure he
is gentleman"
"You can trust me- I have recently
become engaged
"Oh. then I'm safe indeed!'
This was said In a tone that made
me take notice 1t did not seem to me
that the lady cured especially about
being SO safe permitted my hand
to fall upon hers She allowed 1t to a
remain there
''You are not the person you claimNi
to be at all" she said. II didn't recog-
nize you at first. but | have done so
since''
"Indeed!"
"And question If you are one Of
the goody goody kind"
II don't know that am"
"Are you really engaged"
II certainly am"
She leaned very close against me,
and felt her warm breath on my
cheek. was sure that. knowing me,
she was intending to play some prank
on me. get me to kiss her and tell my
fiancee. or something like that. steel
ed myself against her Establishments.
was really more interested in dis.
covering who she was than anything
else.
do you know my aanceey' l asked.
''Yes. do"
''Do you admire herY'
Not especially"
"Will you give me five guesses?''
mot one" 81
Just then we passed on a horrible
scoop in the road She was thrown
against me. her cheek being pressed
against mine. My will power was
broken. l twisted my arm around her
neck. held her fast and kissed her.
She freed herself.
There was an OminOus silence. a
Now suppose you're going to
blame me-,
No answer.
1T Il rather OF color for me to take +
advantage Of this peculiar situation to
take kiss
Was that sob7
Great heavens: What had done?
] must have mistaken her. My action. Il
had been black as the night. wouiS
give I've years Of my life to recall
kiss. 'l
Forgive me-" pleaded. sss
''Never!'
Good gracious: Suppose she told lhis sss
TO my fiancee. Edith might forgiven
kissing another. but my taking aS @ @si
under the circumstances she Woun 4
consider simply brutal.
Are you going to tell on me9.. i s