Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1912-11-27

Suddenly a man who had quietly
pushed his way through the crowd
sprang on the step before the speaker
and thrust revolver into his face.
A cry OF horror swept the crowd.
Al Stuart paused, turned pale and
looked steadily down the flashing bar
rel into the madmau's eyes.
"Who started this work of destruc-
tionT' the man cried "You-you-do
you hear met And I've been com.
manded by God Almighty to end this
trouble by ending you!"
As Stuart held the glittering eyes
levelled at him across the blue black
barrel he could see the mans nervous
and uncertain finger twitching at the
trigger. With sudden panther like
spring he leaped across the five feet
which separated him from the man
who held the revolver. His left band
gripped the weapon and threw 1t into
the air as it was fred. while bis right
hand closed on the throat of his assail
ant With his knee against the mans
breast he hurled him down the steps
wrenched the revolver from his hand
and with single blow knocked him
into insensibility.
The spell was broken. The mob that
hated him saw their chance. A yell OF
rage swept them. and dozen men
sprang toward him with curses. Fol-
q moment he held his own. when sud
denly q we'll directed blow from behind
knocked him down. In blind fury ht
felt the smash of blows on his face
and head. A stream Of blood was
trickling down his forehead and fts
salty taste penetrated his mouth.
A sudden crash from space seemed
to send the world into mass Of fam
ing splinters and the light faded. He
heard the soft rustic of silk and felt
the pressure Of woman's lips on his
Surely he must be dead. was the first
thought that flashed through his mind
And then from somewhere far away
in space came Mans voice low and
tense:
"Come back. Jim. dear. I've some
thing to tell you You can't die. you
shall not die until I've told your
He opened his eyes and found Nan
bending over him. His hand rested on
her soft arm. and his head lay pillowed
on her breast.
"Why, Nan. it's you: What's hap
pened? What on earth are you doing
hereY'
He looked about the room and saw
that be was In the inner office OF the
president of the bank. alone with Riv
ems wife. He was lying on the big
leather couch.
II heard that you were going to speak
this morning. wanted to hear you
and came. | arrived just as you be-
gan and managed to get into the bank
l saw that man try to kill you. jim
and that crowd Of wild beasts tram
plfng you to death. Two detectives
pulled you out and dragged you into
the bank"
A doctor entered and quickly dressed
etuart's wounds. aud turned to Nan.
He'll be all right in week or so
Mrs. Bivens. provided he doesn't insist
on breaking the run on another bank
by the spell of his eIoquence. | hope
you can persuade him not to try thai
again"
Il think I'm fully persuaded. doctor.
Stuart answered grimly. 1--we seen {
great light today"
When the doctor had gone and Mar
was left alone with Stuart an embar
raised silence fell between them.
She was quietly wondering if he wer,
fully unconscious when she was sob
bling and saying some very fooIisl
| things. Above all. she was wonderin!
whether he knew that she had kisset
him.
When her car stopped at SontI
| Washington square and Stuart insisted
| on scrambling out alone. she held hi
| hand tight moment and spoke will
trembling earnestness:
"You will see me now. Jim. and b.
| friends?"
He answered promptly.
| Eyes. Nan. ! will. The world is new
| er going to be quite the same place TO
| me after today. There was one molnen
| this morning in which | think live.
thousand years."
A hot flush stole over the woman
beautiful face as she looked steadil,
into his eyes and quietly asked:
| What moment was that?"
! 1.-THE moment looked down that g,ll
barrel. saw the stupid hate in tina
FOOLS eyes and felt the throb of the in
sane desire to kill in the people benin,
him. the people for whom I've bee
giving my life joyous sacrifice"
Nan smiled sigh Of relief.
"Oh, l see Well. you've made m
very happy with your promise. know
you will keep your word"
| He pressed her hand firmly.
| you are more beautiful than ever
Nan. Yes, I'll keep my word. Goodb.
until CALL"
And the woman smiled in triumph.
| ITO be continued)