The Prescott daily news. (Prescott, Ark.) 1907-1941, 1912-10-23
THE WOMAN THAT
CROSSED HIS PATH
BY PAUL TRENT.

m wondering what It'll be like
when the cold weather comes"
Sufficient unto the day." Philbank
laughed harshly.
1t was weakness and not vice that
had brought him to this state. In
South Africa he had fought brilliant.
ly, and returned to England with the
brightest prospects. But a woman
had crossed his path-a woman with
the devils beauty that had made him
forget everything save his desire.
Career had been sacrificed at her al.
tar-money had been thrown away
and then she had coldly dismissed
him. The descent had been rapid, and
now for months he had been existing
from hand to mouth-and for the
last few days homeless and half.
starved.
Il wish to God they'd give me an.
other chance" the younger suddenly
said
Philbank looked at him suspicious
ly and seemed about to speak, then
hesitated, and finally remained 81.
lent.
Could you make good-with an
other chance?" he asked at last.
Il believe So"
Then you shall have one. Wait
moment"
Philbank hailed a passing police
man.
officer, can you oblige me with a
piece of paper and pencil?" he
asked.
The constable put his hand in his
pocket and produced the required ar
ticles. Philbank wrote rapidly, and
handed back the pencil with thanks.
Take this to the Savoy and ask
for Colonel Strathmore. But l want
your word that you won't say where
you have seen me-" Philbank said
roughly to the other. Good luck to
you"
Thanks, and"
Cut along"
Philbank watched him cross to the
other side of the embankment.
Il believe l can do it-now," he
muttered, and drew near the parapet.
For moment his muscles were tau
and then his body relaxed.
Il haven't got the pluck he said
with groan, and he desDised himself
the more for his cowardiCe.
He was about to turn away, when a
shrill cry could be heard some thirty
yards off, and crowd quickly gather
ed, all eyes peering eagerly toward the
ri 10 htr,., ii
what had happened
"A woman has jumped over" some
one said.
Philbank threw off his coat and
dove toward dark object which could
just be seen. He swan strongly. but
as he reached her she struggled fierce
ly to free herself from his grasp.
Let me die"
Don't be a fool!" he cried. and
when she continued to fight he raised
his fist and struck her sharply on the
temple.
Then her struggles ceased and ho
commenced to tow her slowly toward
the embankment. Her clothes became
saturated and his burden. the heavier,
but still he struggled on. Bodily
weakness told at last and his strength
wavered, until his arms barely moved.
'I'm done!" he gasped, and his
senses were vanishing, when a dark
body loomed over them and voices
sounded in his ears.
When Philbank recovered con-
sciousness he was lying in bed with
clean sheets, the touch of silk on his
skin
"Where am -" he asked, feverish-
ly. And kindly blue eyes looked down
at him
''Strathmore" he gasped
"You mustn't talk, old man. Go to
Sleep" was the gentle answer.
A couple of days later he was seat.
ed on the balcony, but now he was
well dressed and his stomach was no
longer empty Beside him was Col
onel Strathmore.
you are sure you are strong
enough to go 90 the inquest?" the col
onel asked asaxiously.
"Quite sure And so the poor devil
Is dead. Wei, she wanted to die"
An hour la.er Philbank entered the
mortuary ane his eyes rested on the
face of the woman whose life he had
struggled to save.
"Heaven" he cried, and his voice
was filled with horror. 1t was the
woman who had ruined his life. He
touched her hand and trembled at it's
chill. Her eyes-they were blue
were open, and on her forehead was
bruise. Slowly he bent his head,
4h, he