The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1913-04-20

A Leap In
the Dark
Sequel of a Strange Meet
ing In a Lofty Tower
By AGNES G. BROCAN

preston for days. Even the fellows
at the club noticed it. Games which
| had heretofore been his delight now
failed to amuse, while friendly raillery
met with no response. As he strolled
down Fifth avenue lost in gloomy med
itation Billie was unaware Of young
woman's presence at his side until she
gayly tapped him on the shoulder
billie boy" asked the young wor1-
an. whittier goest thon in such an abb
| sent moodT"
| Billie glowered at her for a moment
without making a reply, then calmly
| possessed himself of her velvet clad
| arm. Il want to talk to you. Belle"
he said
| The girl glanced at him in quick dis
| pleasure. IF you are going to bring
that old subject up again. Billie she
cried petulantly, 'let me tell you right
now it will be useless"
Probably" the young man quietly
answered. Nevertheless l shall trou-
BILE you once more. 1t will be the last
time Are you still determined in your
purpose, Belle"
| She laughed softly. Still determin-
! ed in my purpose" she repeated. of
marrying the wealthy Mr.. Nailor."
Can nothing on earth change you
have you no hearth" Billie's voice rang
out passionately.
mo hearth she lightly answered.
How often have told you except for
money, BillieT
| Then" said the young man delib-
Aerately, II have also reached a de-
cision. Would you like to have me tell
you what that means"
There was a tense earnestness in the
question which caused Bellies face to
flush with annoyance. This is hardly
the place for a discussion" she an
swered nervously. unless you care to
shout above the traffic"
Billie Van looked straight before
him. Then bis wandering gaze fell
upon a white lowered building whose
cleaning balcony seemed as remote,
as distant from the crowded street as
the very clouds above. Impulsively
the young man raised his hand. Let
us go up there. Belle" he said 1T
will take but moment, and we shall
be alone and undisturbed."
The girl laughed mockingly. Are
you quite crazy. Billie" she exclaimed.
His eyes sought hers compellingly.
Almost roughly he drew her into the
great stone entrance. "The question
wish to ask must be answered now"
be said.
With a strange feeling of apprehen-
sion the young woman watched the
tiny sinking light which heralded the
n ascent Of the elevator. Thirty, for
ty"-- she counted the stories absently
as the car few up like bird Then
Billie led her out to the parapet OF the
balcony.
"weIl. Billie" she asked. ''the deci-
sionY
Grim lines deepened about his boyish
mouth. $50 money alone spells happi.
ness for you. BELIEF She nodded curt.
ly. And a poor mans love counts for
nothingY'
Nothing" she responded. and her
red lips closed firmly.
Billie Van laughed. 1t was a mirth'
less laugh. which echoed eerily up in
the silent tower. This, then. Is my de-
ctsion." he said slowly, "for your hap
piness has been my one endeavor. I've
had nothing else to live for, 50 why
now worry longer?" He bent lower
over the parapet II tell you once
more. Belle-I'm going to give up the
everlasting struggle. I've really moth
! ing to lose. After all"-Biliie's voice
trailed Off dreamily-'it's only a lear
In the dark" he murmured. "only 9
leap in the dark"
His companion drew back agains
| the wall with sharp cry. you are 9
coward. Billie Van" she said choking
~, trying to make me responsible FOL
this rash thing you would do But
am not concerned-dO you hear? I hav,
no belief in your threat and I'm going
down" There was clicking soun(
as the door closed behind her.
"You are a hypocrite. old girl" Bill
| tlc uullCIcO- tuIiuS uS vi VIII Adtos
hopes. but I've done with your eterna
promise. No more for me-" Sadness
settled in his brooding eyes. Billie
removed his hat and tossed it to The
door. while the cool breeze famed hi.
? forehead.
Il guess Belle was right be tol(
himself Il am coward-just a COW
ardv'
Billie Van never knew quite wha
happened next He became suddenl!
aware Of pair Of tight enfoldins
[ arms. and as be glanced down at hi.
n own encircied breadth Billie's aston
ished gaze fell upon two small beruf
ied hands locked closely on his breast
PLEASED" cried the girl breathiessIy
"Oh. pleaser and could say no more
but. though the vibrant voice brok'
; helplessly. the young. strong arms stil
q held him in an almost vicelike grasp