The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1912-10-03
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.
Pm 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 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.
II believe So"
Then you shall have one. Wait
moment"
Philbank hailed a passing police
man.
Officer, can you oblige me with
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 / want
your word that you won't say where
, 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
I and then his body relaxed
5 II haven't got the pluck" he said
. with a groan, and he despised himself
the more for his cowardice.
/ He was about to turn away, when a
2 lshrill cry could be heard some thirty
:, yards off, and crowd quickly gather.
: ed, all eyes peering eagerly toward the
i river. He hurried along and asked
e what had happened.
|, "A woman has jumped over" some
g one said
It Philbank threw off his coat and
g dove toward a dark object which could
Just be seen. He swan strongly, but
l. as he reached her she struggled fierce
3. y to free herself from his grasp
It Let me die"
Don't be a fool" he cried, anG
d when she continued to fight he raised
his fist and struck her sharply on the
# temple.
n Then her struggles ceased and hi
v commenced to tow her slowly toward
t, The embankment. Her clothes became
v saturated and his burden the heavier
IL but still he struggled on. Bodil!
d. weakness told at last and his strength
q wavered, until his arms barely moved
I'm done!" he gasped, and hi
q senses were vanishing, when darl
q body loomed over them and voices
sounded in his ears.
!" When Philbank recovered con
Ie sciousness he was lying in bed will
clean sheets, the touch of silk on hi
h skin
ID Where am -" he asked, feverish
N ly. And kindly blue eyes looked dow
ID at him
it "Strathmore!" he gasped.
you mustn't talk, old man. Go t
It sleep" was the gentle answer.
A couple of days later he was seal
le ed on the balcony, but now he wa
e, well dressed and his stomach was n
is longer empty. Beside him was Co
to onel Strathmore.
I'd "You are sure you are stron
e. enough to go to the inquest?" the CO
le onel asked anxiously.
y "Quite sure And so the poor dew
le is dead. Well, she wanted to die"
~ An hour later Philbank entered tn
M mortuary and his eyes rested on tn
u face of the woman whose life he ha
10 struggled to save.
"Heaven!" he cried. and his voic
~ was filled with horror. 1t was tn
40 woman who had ruined his life. H
D touched her hand and trembled at it
- chill. Her eyes-they were blue
- were open, and on her forehead wa
30 a bruise. Slowly he bent his heaC
20 and the lips touched the discolore
- skin; the memory of fierce kisse
- overwhelmed him.
~ And then he went out to face tn
,,a world. N~