Arizona republican., 1912-02-06


 knew that he was fighting against a wall almost as solid as the mountain irsef. As an engineer he knew the force and weight that 1t had taken to choke the mouth of the coyote in this way. Outside there were hundreds. perhaps thousands. of tons of rock and earth. But he did not quit. Some thing seemed to break in his head. Only the presence of Miss Rodney kept him from shouting-from shrieking out in his despair for human help. though his voice would have died in the heart of the mountain. He rolled and tossed back ton after ton of rock. His hands were torn and bleeding The knife-edged trap ripped the arms of his flannel shirt into shreds. Beads of water ran down his face-a sweat of horror more than of exertion He face the girl. and because there always fingers hope-one chance in ten thOusand-even in the face of death He knew there was no more than that chance. A little later he saw that there was no use of continuing the hopeless fight Rocks which ten men conld not have moved barred his way Ee straightcned himself, and with his pocket handkerchief wiped the sweat and dirt from his face Before he had looked at her, Miss Rodney put her hand on his bruised and naked arm. When he turned she held the lantern on a level with their faces. There was no need of words-of explana- tions. For threequarters of an hour she had watched him fight in the face of that wall or rock and earth with a strength which she had never before seen in a man.
 You've done splendidly," she said. hut I don't believe that you can go lln."
 "NO-I cant go on" he said know ing that she was demanding inc truth Of him. "I cant go on. We're shut in. Oh. my God" His panting breath sounded terrible in the death like stiffness Of the chamber. and sud denly he caught the hand that was on his arm and crushed it almost hercely 10 his breast If had ten thousand lives I'd give them up-every one-it you were out there-and was in here alone
 "I know you would" she replied. and her voice was steadier than his I've been watching you. and KNOW. It's because you're of that sort that Tm-Im-NOT AFRAID"
 But you don't understand" he said. "A thousand men"
 "I do understand" she interrupted. What time is it?"
 He took out his watch. Her soft hair touched his cheek as they bent together over the timepiece. IL was a quarter after seven o'clock.
 An hour and forty-five minutes said tho girl. A shudder ran through her body She placed the lantern on the floor. and looked at him. her face a pale shadow in the gloom. Well never know what happens" she went on. and he wondered if horror and fear had driven her mad. Well never Sknow what happens-and THEY'LL never know what has hap pened All their lives they'll wonder where VIC disappeared 10. I've been thinking - thinking thinking while you were al work there. and do you know. I'm not afraid. It's curious. but I'm not I guess it's because there's a lot of MAN in me. I've always wanted 10 be a man, 10 do things big things This is the first time I've ever been glad-that I'm woman"
 He came close to her and placed the lantern al their feet.
 "If you had only been man-if you only had," he exclaimed in voice that was low and thrilling. If you had been man I wouldn't have brought you down here. If you had been any other woman on earth l wouldn't have brought you. l did it because"
 Why" she asked softly.
 He had taken her hands again, but he dropped. them now.
 Miss Rodney. we're almost equals here now. aren't we? I'm no longer just a mere engineer paid a salary that would just about buy your ia ther's cigars I'm a MAN. And you're no longer a presidents daughter. a great heiress and the fiancf of titled man. You're just WOMAN. Our world is this little chamber under the mountain. the last little world we'll ever have. If it won't hurt you If you don't care-Td like toto tell y0u-"
 He stopped. almost wishing that he might recall his words.
 Go on" she urged softly. Co on please"
 "I asked you to come down. Miss Rodney, because-just once-I wanted