Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-10-28
The WOMAN THAT
US CROSSED HIS PATH
BY PAUL TRENT.

when the cold weather comes"
Sufficient unto the day." Philbank
laughed. harshy.
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 g woman
had crossed his Dath--a woman with
the devils beauty that had made him
forget everything save his desire.
Career had been sacrificed at her al
taT-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.
I wish to God they'd give me en-
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 goodwill an
other chance?" he asked at last.
Il believe 3d."
Then you shall have one. Wait q
moment"
Phtlbank hailed passing police
man.
officer, can you oblige me with q
piece Of paper and pencil?" he
asked.
The constable put his band 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 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"
Phiibank watched him cross to the
other side Of the embankment
Il believe l can DO it-now," ha
muttIT2G, and drew near the parapet
Fer moment: his muscles were taui
a@i then lis bodJ relaxed
- haven't got the pluck" he said
with (. groi.G. AID he dcapised himself
tie more for his oowardice.
lie was about to turn away, when a
shrlll cry could be heard some thirty
yards of. and 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 cont and
dove toward dark object which couls
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 hs
commenced to tow her slowly toward
the embankment. Her clothes became
saturated and his burden the heavier,
hut still he struggled on. Bodily
weakness told at last and his strength
wavered. until his arms barely moved.
I'm done!" he gasped. ard his
senses were vanishing. when dark
body loomed over them and voices
sounded in his ears.
When Philbank recovered con.
sciousness he was lying ir bed With
clean sheets, the touch Of silk on HE
skin.
"Where am II" he asked. feverish'
ly. And kindly blue eyes looked dowR
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 nc
longer empty. Beside him was Col.
onel Strathmore.
YOU are sure you are strong
enough to 60 to the inquest?" the col
onel asked anXiously
"Quite sure. And go 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 filed with horror. 1t was the
woman who had ruined his life. Ho
touched her hand and trembled at its
chill. Her eycs-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