Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-09-22
CHAPTER XVIII.-Continued.

0eeSeA >A>AS - Se~e -
Ivan made no reply, but started to re-
move his disguise. Dick, who had failed
TO notice this. continued, after a moment S
pleasant recollection: Nov, Ivan, just
pike out in the other direction and trail
the remaining sleuth to his doom. He
ought to be heading this way by now. if
they have any plan to work by at all.
Ivan sat down on the grass, elbows on
knees. chin in hands. Il go not forth
again. he stated. Il was taken by sur
prise and twice was / nearly captured.
See-my robe is ripped crossways. and
also up and down."
What do you care?" argued Dick. 1T
don't belong to YOU
II care not for the robe.' returned Ivan.
angrily. II say damn to the robe! But
think of my shame If found In the garh
of a woman-of a cook
That is true, Ivan,' said Dick, in a
low. sad tone, affecting to give up all
hope. II do not ask you to risk yourself
further. and I fully appreciate the noble
sacrifice you have already made. ! should
never have asked you in the first place
if / could have seen any other way. No,
not even in the holy cause of Friendship,
save the good name of an unfortunate
girl whose only crime is poverty and
II shall do 1t, no matter what hap
pens:' cried Ivan: springing to his feet.
"Nobly spoken, said Dick, lifting has
hat reverently. Ivan, you are a true
hero. you have conquered yourself. He
, who conquers himself is I've forgot
ten the rest, but it just fits the occasion.
Now. while you are recovering your
breath, I have one small favor to ask of
you. This poor girl. inside is nearly dis
tracted. 1t would comfort her a lot if
she could hold my hand. just for a min
ute. You see how high that small open
ing is. Would you mind kneeling under
it for a second, while l stand on your
back and reach my arm through"
This Is too much. / have stopped to
become a woman for you, but l refuse to
put myself beneath the heel of any man.
LAS a figure of speech this phrase has
a most humiliating significance; but lit
orally, there is nothing to it. l have my
self been beneath the heels of eleven men
at the same time. and they were applied
with emphasis. and not with the loving
care that l shall use-or I'll stand on my
toes. just to please you
There is no sense in it. Think of it
me in a wOman'S garb, beneath the heel
of a man.
Great guns. you have told me hun
dred times that for countless generations
your line has been ground beneath the
heel Of tyranny. Look what grand train
ing this was; and, anyway, there is moth
ing in this to wound your dignity. l
would gladly kneel and let you stand on
me and put your hand in. but it wouldn t
answer the purpose. Even in the dark
hands are purely individualstic and she
wouldn't get any comfort out of your
hand. Haven't you ever been in love?"
NO I have never stopped to selfish
love. My love is for the entire human
race"
This is the age of specialists. Ivan.
and If you would concentrate your love
on just one woman, it would pay a heap
sight bigger dividends. But this is only
a bit of sentiment and I shall not urge
you You have already proven your
friendship. Go and decoy the other
II have put my hand to the plow."
sighed Ivan, IAN extra furrow will not
matter"
Holding his skirt punched in front of
him, Ivan stalked to the den. and. as
though preparing for the guillotine, knelt
beneath the opening. Il am ready he
said. bravely.
Dick had been forced to bite his lips at
VANS preparations. but as the fullness
of his sacrifice came over hlm' ne patteu
Ivan on the head and said, with sincere
feeling: "Ill square up for this, old boy,
If we both get out alive.
He placed one foot gently on Ivan s
shoulder and the other on his hips and
reached his hand through the opening.
Can you reach my hand. dear1e! ne
asked.
A few hours earlier the girl would have
vehemently denied having the slightest
desire to hold his hand: but great changes
had taken place during her brief term Of
Imprisonment. and Dick was playing a
much larger trump than he was SAY. aware st Of
s.Yes." she answered, with a little eaten
in her voice. "Oh, Dick"-this was the
first time she had ever called him Dick,
and yet he did not notice it ,on; p Ieaye
ma q gain until YOU get me out-will your
Ivan twisted his neck and looked up
anxiously.
Won AGAIN" answered Dick, and lvan's
expression Of anxiety deepened; but II
have to let go in minute to capture the
other keeper"
Ivan's head dropped in relief
You must be careful not to De huft'
cautioned the girl. ar
Don't worry" scored DICK. eaI
take care of myself. We have one guard
safely tied and you will be out again on
the next down. / wish you couid chMO
up and look out It's great sport
Ivan Wac anYiouS TO bring Things 10 q