The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-01-21

quent OF his feelings than mere words
could have been. He could find no
phrases adequate to express them, so
remained silent. but he slipped Into
the wretched mans pocket as Brooks
passed out OF the door bundle Of
banknotes that he had taken without
counting from a drawer.
Snow had begun to fall. A high
wind. blowing apparently from all
quarters, hardened the fakes and pro-
PEELED them with stinging force into
the faces of the people in the streets.
Brooks had no umbrella. nor had he
gloves, and the wind cut to the bone.
Yet he paid scant heed to his discom-
fort and ambled away from Smiths
abode. He turned up his coat collar
and pulled his hat over his eyes. More
than once when he thought lie was
being followed he went sick with fear.
Every minute he expected to feel a
hand on his shoulder.
Why should he lack the pluck to kill
himselff A fugitive from justice,
friendless and penniless. everything
that was worth while in life gone for
ever, what had he to hope from living
The prison door from which he had
shrunk with such dread before now
was wide open TO receive him, would
receive him as inevitably as day would
follow the night. He remembered hav-
ing read that n man shot through the
brain never felt the messenger which
Snuffed out his life. In the drawer Of
his bureau was loaded revolver that
he had long kept there for self protec-
ton In case Of need. A movement Of
his finger would end all. A feeling
almost of relief came with this thought,
and he quickened his steps. There was
only one thing to fear now-that he
would be caught before he could reach
his room. AS he trudged along he
found himself at the corner of the
street in which the Harrises lived.
Emma! How different she had been
from the other! She had not taken
she had given. Love had not been
dependent upon the bringing Of gifts
1t had been lavished upon him. When
he had been respondent she had com
forted him; when things were going
wrong she had encouraged him; when
his head ached she had rested It on
her bosom. And it had come to this
that he had lost her and, with her
all; that he was an outcast at her
door.
An insane desire to see her took pos
session of him. 1t grew, became over
powering, swept aside all the objec-
tions of reason. He was a dying man.
and nothing was denied to the dying
bell. The door opened, and he ascend
ed the well remembered stairs. Mrs.
Harris fiat was on the first landing. A
maid who did not know him answered
his ring.
''Is Mrs. Brooks at home?" he asked
The girl shook her head.
"Mrs Brooks? No; no one of that
name lives here. This is Mrs. Harris
APARTMENTS. Mrs. Harris and Miss
Beth have gone out. Miss Emma is
in"
Miss Emmal She had even discard
ed his name, then! The blow was
hard
81 would like to see her."
your card, sir, please"
"Tell her Mr.. Smith is calling"
The name had flashed to him with
the conviction that she would not re-
ceive him if he gave his own.
He followed on the heels Of the
maid.
you needn't bother" he said and
brushed past her at the door of the
parlor.
Emma was arranging some orna-
ments on the mantelpiece. For a mo-
ment she did not recognize him. Then
she recoiled, with little cry. from the
wild eyed, disheveled specter who,
hat in hand. stood before her
"Yes. Emma. it's me. or what is
left of me-" he said.
'What brings you here7 How did
you get in?" she demanded. with
frightened eyes.
Don't be afraid. You have nothing
to fear from me-" he assured her. I'm
going on a long journey-yes. a long,
AOAB JohlhCSt uhh NOiip " cay
goodby. You'll never see me again.
shall be no more trouble to, any
body"
There is no need to come here.
cannot receive you. You must CO."
Emma. / know how bad ] was to
you. how
'T cannot listen to your excuses. 1t
is useless to recall the past Please
gor'
II have no wish to recall It | ask
only your forgiveness-ask 1t as a dy-
ing man. You cannot refuse"
you have been dead long years to
me, and l have prayed God that |
might never see you again. paid
you In full for my freedom. Why
have you come TO trouble me? Go,
please. and leave me In peace"
"All right" he said sorrowfuily. 81
will go. Goodby, Emma"
With bowed head he went toward
the door. stopped and turned to her
with outstretched arms. pleading In