The San Francisco call., 1910-01-16
He SOC I.ETY W O L F


to clear out Barring these two occupations have
no possible interest and I'll trouble to take
yourself off. 1 suppose you're cursed interfer-
ing spy, but you're committing unlawful act in
holding us up and you'd better drop it,
. 1t was strong if questionable character, and
Carter recognized qualities that he could admire,
while he scorned them lacking his own leaven Of
inesse But further parley was useless. He talked
now at ST. Geoffry. but for Mrs. Champney, and set
himself to reach her.
Still another error ST. Geofry 1t is my business
decidedly. And" his voice took righteous heat,
t's any ones business who is not willing to stand
by while scamp induces to give up every
thing for nothing Particularly is it the business Of
those who regard for clean society in general
and the standing of the Percival Champneys in par
ticular That won't appeal to you, | know. But
that's all the motive you'll get
Now as for yourself 1 can imagine exactly what
you have told Mrs Champney and what you have led
her expect-love appreciation, understanding, hap
piness usual fimsy lures-with her private for
tune to keep you and maybe-maybe-a marriage
after her husband shakes off part Of his shame in
divorce But there few facts about yourself
you haven't told her"
ST. Geoffry with twitching hands, made if to
spring upon hinf Carter thrust the revolver inch
and continued.
"You haven't told her. for instance, that you were
cashiered British army for cheating at cards.
or the string of low scandals wrapped around your
name at home, you? Or that your family hushed
up several affairs expense? Or that you could
never be received again in your own country? OF
about the affair with the Bascom woman in ST. Louis
since you've been here? If you really straight
and only foolish in this ST. Geoffry. might be
found to pardon you But when your one idea has
been to victimze -"
The Englishman held from the demand of surging
violence within him by the nsstence OF the revolver
barrel thrust back his wrath while he made his plea
to the woman.
"It's mailman. Ellen. He's not responsible. Leave
the car. 1t can't be the railroad"
Mrs Champney did not She looked from
ST. Geoffry to the outlined form of Carter The Eng
lishman misunderstood the glance.
Seeing the Significance
'rIIe won't dare to interfere further if you come
with me-" he urged. There's train catch
tonight"
But dsillusionment and growing horror showed
upon Mrs. Champneys face and Carter read her
face Alright. The physical break in the whirl
of unconsidered revolt had her Judgment upon
her act and herself Carter by his suggestion Of IN
worthiness in the for whom she had been ready
to make her sacrifice had hastened the collapse Of
her false emotion The shock Of the incident had
awakened her. She the thing she had meant TO
do its full significance for the first time. Her
$ thought to turn, if not too late, from the
dangerous step she had already taken. Carter did
not wait upon worded appeal
Can you the machine?" he asked her in a low
n voice. She nodded. Carter stood up.
4 Now, Arnold ST. Geofry late lieutenant in regi
: which shall be nameless, forward march. Keep
d in the line of the searchights and linger not I'm
/ rather an awkward shot and I might not be able
to pick out your You free to reach the rail-
r road in any way you chose. long you don't
within range again.
The young virginian's voice held firm to the key Of
command and in it was all the force and decision he
possessed in times Of emergency. Perhaps St.
Geofry also recognized kindred soul the waning
+ light the torch stared motionless one.
ends toward the unwavertng mouth Of the revolver.
Then slowly and with last glance at Mrs Champney
i his heel and moved ahead. Carter took pride in
, him. for the had said never word%mOre when
he knew that he beaten. The Virginian waited
9 until the figure had faded into the night and then
l. turned fevershy wrench in hand tighten the joint
e he had loosened in the pressure pipe and restore
g the air.
: Perhaps he might never have won though if Mrs.
Champney had not aided him with her greater knOwl-
edge OF the machine 1lmdly she answered MS queS-
tons, and with answering thrill Of satisfac-
ton that he finally felt the gentle pound Of the engine
when he whirled the crank.
He sat beside her when she took the drivers seat.
e and they began the return journey She needed
steadying and he spoke to her reassurngy for here
q lay the real value OF the affair for him.
. you need be under alarm whatsoever in this
matter Mrs Champney" he said sympathetically-
s "The man will not trouble you again. happen to
b know that his career this side Of the
a nearly run He will have leave and nothing he
, can say now Can tOucn YOU Heeu ndIuly THAT
: the whole incident ends here far concerned
II My is Robert Carter I shall not tell how
n to take part in this incident. There is
call to thank for it. / merely trust that
may have opportunity of renewing acquaint-
in favorable circumstances. Having al
ready taken much responsibility upon think
It safely venture to say that am not wholly
worthy Of it,"
!, She did thank him. hurriedly warmly incoherently
and after that they sped to the park through the
9 gates and up to the door in silence She asked him
inside and with view to clinching an advantage
with the charm of appearance and conversation he
knew his, he consented. She had scarcely
wound her scarf standing all flushed and wholly be-
g witching in the excitement and happiness of her