The Bemidji daily pioneer., 1912-02-15
Helen 5
Independence

II guess you can find 1t II you nave
to-" ho snorted as he passed on. ''Look
Rgain-and hurry up"
He went out on the rear platform
for a moment, but soon he followed
another incoming passenger up the
aisle. --.tss s.&-,5f fs&.o.
II really can't find single coin,"
said Helen, looking up from her dis.
ordered purse.
That's all right" was the more
gracious response. "A gent out on
the platform staked you."
"Was it that man in the soft hat?"
she asked as she caught sight of Har.
vey Tenant trying to look uncon'
cerned.
"sure thing" he assented. "shall l
send him in?"
II do not care to be under obliga'
tions to the gentleman" she said
coldly. "Please stop the car" r
It was intolerable that after last
night Harvey should presume to pay
her car fare. Had it been total
stranger she would have been CRATE
full, but man who only the night
before had assured her that she could
not get along without him! She
would show him that she could, and
she swept off the car with majestic
dignity that caused Tenant to smile
Look here, Nell," he protested as
he followed her to the sidewalk, s'you
must not be here alone. 1t is one OF
the toughest districts in town."
$50 I Judge from its Inhabitants -
she said with meaning glance at
him. 1T seems that they take pleas.
ure in annoying unprotected women"
'"That's just the trouble" he said
placidly, though his face redeemed
Don't be foolish. Let me lend you a
nickel. You can send it back tonight,
It is only what 1 would do for any
woman in the same fix"
Il do not have to trespass upon
your chivalry," she declared. with q
scornful accent upon the last word
81 am amply able to take care of my
SELF"
81 believe we discussed that to nc
purpose last night" he said coldly
II adhere to my original opinion"
"And I to mine," she~sniffed, as she
began to walk on. Harvey dropped
back a few. PAGES and followed her
The dozen blocks bordering the
freight yards bore q most unsavory
reputation. No gently-bred woman
was safe from insult.
And just because he had ventured
to criticise her boldness in venturina
out alone on her charity visits she
had broken their engagement: the
night before with the scornful state
ment that she was amply able to take
care Of herself and would have naught
of husband who already showed
such disposition to bully.
He did not have long to wait fol-
his revenge. On the next block 8
crowd of half-drunken loafers reelei
from a saloon. Helen shrank to the
edge Of the sidewalk and by her very
precaution attracted their attention.
''There's me mussis," shouted one
as he lurched toward her. "Com<
here, me dear, and let hubby have 8
few coins for his beer.'
AS he staggered toward her Heller
raised her hands to ward him of, and
in doing so dropped her bundles. With
wild yell the rest of the crowd drove
| after the parcels just as Harvey dash
ed up.
A few well-directed kicks scattered
the crowd, but the first speaker was
less easily disposed Of. The idea thai
Helen was his wife had entered his
drunken brain and refused to be dis
lodged and he made an attempt tc
clasp her in his arms while demanding
of the new conner why he should seel
to separate loving pair. .-z.7-
! Harvey's answer was blow that
sent him sprawling, but he scrambled
to his feet in an instant and staggered
toward his assailant, waving cotton
hook that had dangled from his belt.
With scream Helen sought to
throw herself between the two men,
but Harvey thrust her quickly aside
The man in his drunken insanity
would make no distinction and it was
a fight man to man. .-s ~ .
He had had some experience on the
mat. Had been the wrestling cham.
pion Of his club for two seasons, and
he 1naneuvered for an opening. It
was no easy matter for. he had seen
fights among the longshoremen and
know that cotton hook was far more
dangerous than knife. 1t was some
time before he could find his opening,
but at last he closed in with a rush,
pinioning his adversary's arms close
to his side. After that the fight was
Il short one. Once at disadvantage
the rough collapsed and through a
sudden turn of his thoughts became
-lachrymose. Harvey tearfully lament.
ing the loss of his wife While he as.
sisted Helen to regain such bundles as
had been left her. ~ -ss
'I presume that you will not refuse
car fare now," he said as he straight
ened out his overcoat
Don't you think we could have q
cab?" she suggested. because YOU
see, Harvey-we can hold hands in q
cab" H.. H..
g.. Cont ntemptible.