The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1913-10-24
CHAPTER xII.--continued

THE machine," rushed on Wanda.
TITS got the brains of all the men that
are in it. And none of the heart. 1t
burns up everything that gets in its
path. And now it needs a woman S
good name and happiness to keep it
in fuel. It's only square that you
should be the Woman. It's let them
see how other people have felt when
the machine crushed them-how my
father felt when he came home that
horrible day, with death written in his
eyes, and said to my mother: Molly.
I'm done for Blake and his machine
have got met That's what he said.
And he was innocent"
But"
That's why was going to let them
get you, and break Jim Blake's vile
old heart. It's the chance I've been
waiting for, five endless years To-
night | saw Gods justice begin to
move. | saw that Blake and his
crowd We're working out their own
damnation without any help from me-
And then-Oh, I'm a fool!-then, all
at once forgot the justice part of it..
And all | could see was that gang
of strong, cruel, clever men were fight
ing one unhappy woman IL guess
that's why I've stayed here, even after
you called me a blackmailer."
But your past's no business of
mine" she went on more quietly. Il
just came to give you a warning. Take
1t or leave. It's up to you"
Il don't want your warning" said
Grace sullenly.
Then can't help you"
81 have not asked your help"
Just as you like" sighed Wanda.
"But the nets closing tight around
you, Mrs Robertson. And If you
count on Mr. Standish to help you or
to deny anything, you're making a big
mistake. The minute he finds himself
cornered, he'll throw you over to save
his own chances. Oh, won't you drop
the bluff, once and for all? Won't
you let me-"
"You have had my answer. There
is not one single fact on which to
base this-this attack. If you try to
drag my name into any unsavory scan.
dial, so much the worse for you. If
you dare make use of my name-even
indirectly-in connection with this
case, ] shall go to my father, at once
and tell him-tell him that
Tell him what, Mrs. Robertson
THAT you tried to get me to help
you marry Tom. And that when re.
fused you threatened to blackmail me
TO brand me as the Woman he's been
hunting FOR l."
A purring of the buzzer interrupted
her.
we will put it to the test now!"
Grace declared, turning toward the
door. There are my husband and IA
Their outside. Afraid am /? Sick
with fear?' You shall see.' You shall
tell them, here and now, that I'm the
Woman they're trying to find. Tell
them and see what will happen. II
you haven't the courage to tell them
I'll repeat your charges myself"
Don't! Don't!" implored Wanda
as the buzzer sounded once more
Don't try it, Mrs. Robertson! You
can't carry 1t through, l tell you. They
have too much proof"
"They won't apply their proof to me
- 1t is you who will need proofs
Very good" cried Wanda, in sud
den anger. Go ahead and do it, My
conscience is clear. wanted to help
you and ] got insulted for my pains
Go as far as you like. I'm through
"You are not through yet" denied
Grace furiously. stay where you are.
Wen settle this once and for a'' 7"
She threw open the door, Standish
stood waiting on the threshold.
CHAPTER XIII.