The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1912-11-14
THE WOMAN THAT
CROSSED HIS PATH
BY PAUL TRENT.

1t was the third time that the two
men had made the same seat on the
embankment their resting place for
the night.
I'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 ST.
lent.
Could you make goodwill an
other chance?" he asked at last.
Il believe So"
Then you shall have one. Wait a
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 I 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 a moment his muscles were taut
and then his body relaxed.
Il haven't got the pluck" he said
with groan, and he despised himself
the more for his cowardice.
He was about to turn away, when
shrill cry could be heard some thirty
yards off, and a crowd quickly gather.
ed, all eyes peering eagerly toward the
river He hurried along and asked
what had happened
"A woman has jumped over" some
one said.
Philbank threw off his coat and
dove toward a 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 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 he
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 doomed over them and voices
sounded in his ears.
When Philbank recovered con.
sciousness he was lying in a 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
we'll dressed and his stomach was no
longer empty Beside him was Col.
onel Strathmore
You are sure you are strong
enough to go to the inquest?" the col.
onel asked anxiously.
Quite sure And so the poor devil
is dead. Well, she wanted to die"
An hour later Philbank entered the
mortuary and 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 its
chill. Her eyes-they were blue
were open, and on her forehead was
a bruise. Slowly he bent his head,
and the lips touched the discolored
skin; the memory of fierce kisses
overwhelmed him.
And then he went out to face the
world