The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-02-10
THE FARMER: FEBRUARY 10, 1912

Cato Sam-->.. .,ut looked toward the fireplace and started. An impulse came to her. a fierce, swift impulse such as red Indians have. The ti- t.ress was awake in her-the tigress 6g+ e,g for her offspring.
 And like a very tigress, too. agile. swift as an arrow, she glided to where the little flames beckoned and held the letter close down to them The paper writhed and curled as the fire caught it adroitly.
 'I'n save you, boys-save you in spite of your father. in spite of my self'' she breathed. the breath coming hard through her open, dry lips.
 It had a will of it's own. this paper, ard fought the fnimfcaI flames brave ly as they encroached upon its terri tory. The woman, her fingers scorch- ed brown. held it until 1t fell away in charred, glossy scraps, watching it with a sort of charmed, awful inter- est.
 With an effort she raised herself to her feet. The gaping doors of the opened safe stared at her. Mechani- calIy she crossed over, closed them and locked the combination
 Then, inevitably, her eyes sought the fireplace. The mocking, dancing flames stung her like so many SCOT pion tongues. Was 1t wild fancy or was Cato really watching her with that dumb. awful reproach in his eyes?
 God in heaven! What had she done7 If she had destroyed the proof of Rob- ert's guilt she had also destroyed the proof of Burton Temples innocence! Of that she had not thought; she had not had time to think.
 The telephone bell rang. In her dazed, distorted condition 1t, seemed far away. She did not move to an- swer it at once.
 "I'n take It-TN take the message. Miss Dale" called Temple cheerfulIy. blowing into the room at this second. His face wore an unclouded look of Hghtness as he picked up the receiver.
 "HeIlol Yes. Whats that you say2 Esterbrook. the district attorney. wants me on the wire? All right. Tell him to step up; here ann" And then to the district attorney:
 "You want to see that Granger let ter personally tonight? Yes, where? At your home. Very well. I'll fetch it down myself tonight. Goodby."
 Miss Dale" he said. turning to his secretary. ''I think if you'll get me that letter out of the safe I'll take the next train for New York"
 The room seemed to be darkening. She made a few steps toward the safe. tottered and fell upon the divan. With a long shudder that relaxed all her young limbs her senses left her.
 "Poor little woman. she's been worK- ing too hard! ought to have thought" !" Temple rang the bell for Mrs. Mason, then bent above her in a tender ab- sorption. speaking to her as he might have spoken to a child, calling her. comforting and rousing her. His deep voice had an enchanter's sweetness. and gradually 1t wooed her back to life. She did not know what he was saying to her, but she responded. Her white lids huttered; she moved; a deer sigh lifted her breast.
 At that moment the door in Mrs. Ma sons hand escaped her and swung to.
 Mrs. Mason, is that you?" said Tem pie, without looking around "Wil yor come here? Poor child, I'm afraid sh needs your care"
 Anna raised herself by an effort. HeI first half conscious impulse was tC throw herself into the arms of the woman standing by her. Then as she perceived Mrs. Mason clearly, as her reason came back and her gaze stead fed, the impulse died.
 ITO Re ContinuedO