The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-05-04

big young stranger with the girl he
would not have danced with her. He
was too sure of her. The girl moved
toward him. the slightest impulse of
a moment, murmuring the mems names
to each other. Both bowed, but Graves
put his arm around Mamie, catching
the step.
You're mistaken This dance is
promised me. So are all the Others.
He swung away with her. She tried
noG Will IS stood lowering a mo-
ment. Flossie also had deserted him.
At the end of the music Mamie ex-
poStulated. 1t would not do. He must
dance with some one else. She would
introduce him. She must dance with
some one else-just of the looks of
it! Graves lead her to a window for
a breath.
There is not a man in this room
who looks fit for you to dance with.
You're half-exhausted, over-heated-
watch your own breathing! You didn't
take time for a decent supper. Go
back for your wrap-no, I'll go, too
and Well get something to eat. Then
if you want 20 come back''-He wrap
ped the cloak about her and together
they went down the dirty stairs to the
street. Williams followed unnoticed.
1t was not more than 8, but sud-
den storm was rising, dust blew in their
faces and a queer sultriness was in
the air. He drew NAMES hand int
his arm. and held her closely. They
walked a few blocks, and the darkness
deepened. She chung to him.
Where are we-going?"
I'm trying to get onto a decent
street where I think 1 can find place
where I would take you for some
thing to eat. Hamie-is that place any
real fun TO you? Is that-cad-"
Without warning, a shuttle of feet
behind them and in angry voice made
Graves push the girl in front of him.
Cad. am L? I'll-show you
Williams. and an ugly bulk of man
beside him came up beside them.
Graves did not slacken his speed. He
pushed Mamie around a corner where
street lamp turned dimly. A po-
iceman almost ran into them. A car
was coming along also, and he
stepped into position to hail it, at
the same time speaking to the officer
are drunk and annoying us. Wait
till L take the lady home and I'll
come down to headquarters and give
ln1ormatlon- But the two took to
their heels, the officer after them.
Graves put the trem bling girl on
the car, found her an inside seat, and
sat down, guarding her. He did not
speak, knowing she was on the edge
OF tears. He handed the conductor
the fares. and took transfers. They
boarding house.
Where are we going?'' Her tone
was chiidlike. questioning.
We" he said, emphasizing the
pronoun, ARE going out to the truck
patch, to our own home. My sister
is there, and tomorrow we are to be
married. Grace will take care of you
tonight There has been enough of
this sort of danger for you, Mamie.
Hasn't there?'' His ear was quick,
but he caught no answer. She
turned her head and looked where the
sudden spring rain was beating at the
car windows. Then she leaned close
against the strong arm, WEAKNESS
in every line of her slender body, |
yielding to his demand, heart and
soul.
They walked five blocks past vacant
lots in a drenching rain, he in his
shirt sleeves after wrapping his new |
coat about her. AS they reached the |
brown cottage with the light burning t
in the window he drew her very close |
to him.
Mamie" he said, you want to go
heart?''
She nodded her head against his
arm.
''With-all my heart" she said. /
through the rain. with all my
Roberts sister heard them, and
opened the door with a lamp in her
hand.
For goodness sake, Mamie," she
said. For goodness sakei"-(Copy-
righted 1912 by Associated Literary
Press.)