The wageworker., 1910-05-20

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over her mouth and nose, and that
was all she remembered.
1t was all plain to me now. A rob-
Der had persuaded the coachman to
let him ride, had given him a drugged
cigar and had then administered ether
or chloroform to the lady inside and
robbed her. This explained her ask
Ing II I was the man who had been
beside her.
The lady on coming to herself was in
q 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 a gentleman"
she said. Judging from the tone of
your voice"
IL return the compliment. Your
voice is not only that Of a lady, but is
very soft and sweet"
'It seems to me that have heard
yours before" she said after a pause.
Il was going to say the same of
yours"
1--WE may be acquainted"
"Quite possibly"
"Who are you?"
By this time 1t struck me that this
was quite an adventure l was not
disposed to spoil it by giving up my
identity too soon. I gave fictitious
name.
I'm disappointed" she said "I was
sure knew you. and l would have
felt SO relieved If 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 have
learned that we are not acquainted.
wish I could see you. Have you no
way of making light?'
II had only one match. and / have
used that. l do not need to see you
to know that you are young and beau
tiful."
II am young, but a fright. am
pitted with smallpox scars. l suppose
I needn't ask you If you are hand
someT"
II am considered the homeliest man
in my SET"
She had SO far recovered her equa-
nimity to give little laugh.
"Do you live hereabout?" she asked.
"Yes; in Rosedale. have been to a
musicale in Bloomington
"And have been to a dance there"
"At the Springers'?"
Eyes. Do you know themY'
II do. was invited to their dance,
but had previously accepted an invita-
tion 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 a strange
gentleman"
"None whatever. since am sure he
is gentleman"
"You can trust me. have recently
become engaged"
"Oh, then I'm safe indeedy'
This was said in tone that made
that the lady cared especially about
being SO safe. l permitted my hand
to fall upon hers. She allowed it to
remain there.
You are not the person you claim
to be at ALL" she said. Il didn't recog-
nize you at first, but have done so
since"
"Indeed!'
"And l question If you are one of
the goody -goody kind"
II don't know that l am"
Are you really engagedY
II certainly am"
She leaned very close against me,
and I 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. l steel.
ed myself against her Establishments
l was really more interested in dis
covering who she was than anything
else.
"Do you know my fancee" l asked
"Yes. do"
do you admire herY'
"Not especially"
. "Wnl you give me five guessesY
mot one"
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 wai
! broken. twisted my arm around bel
neck, held her fast and kissed her
She freed herself.
There was an ominous silence.
'Now suppose you're going K
blame me-"
No answer.
ut Is rather OF color for me to TAX
Q advantage of this peculiar situation Il
Q take q kiss"
Was that a sob?
H.
i I must have mistaken her. My actor
had been black as the night. I woul,
give Eve years of my life to recall tina
kiss.
"Forgive me-" pleaded.