Evening times-Republican., 1913-07-22
CHAPTER !.


He paused on the platform and
glanced at his watch. The train on
which he had just arrived was late.
It hurried away from the station, ana
was swallowed up in the blackness Of
the tunnel, as II it knew its own short
comings and wished to make up for
them.
1t was five minutes Of six. and a.
the young man looked back at tho
long fight OF steps that led to the
bridge across the tracks, . delicate
penciling Of electric light flashed into
outline against the city's deepening
dusk, emphasizing the latensss of the
hour. He had dinner engagement At
seven. and 1t wan yet some distance
to his home, where rapid toilet must
be made II he were to arrive on time.
The stairway was long, and there
were many people thronging It. A
shorter cut led down along the tracks
under the bridge, and up the grassy
embankment.
Under the center of the bridge .
slight noise behind him. az Of soft,
hurrying footsteps, caught his alton.
ton. and q woman's voice broke upon
his startled senses.
please don't stop. nor look around" :"
1t said, and the owner caught up with
him now in the shadow. But will
you kindly let me walk beside you for
moment. till you can show me how
to get out OF this dreadful place?
am very much frightened. and I'm
afraid I shall be followed. Will you
tell me where can 60 to hide?"
After an instantis astonished pause,
he obeyed her and kept on, making
he took the place next to the tracks.
He was aware. too. Of the low rumble
Of train, coming from the mouth Of
the tunnel.
His companion had gasped for
breath, but began again In q tone Of
apology:
II saw you were gentleman, and
you would help me to get somewhere
quickly"
Just then tho fiery eye Of the oncom-
ing train burBt from the tunnel ahead.
Instinctively. the young man caught
his companions arm and drew her
forward to the embankment beyond
the bridge, holding her. startled and
trembling. as the screaming train tore
past them.
The mans first thought was to get
out Of the cut before another train
should come. He grasped his oompan-
ions arm and started up the steep
embankment, realising a. he did so
that the wrist he held was slender,
and that the sleeve which covered it
was of the finest cloth. 81
As they emerged from tho dark, the
man saw that his companion was q
young and beautiful woman. and that
she wore light cloth gown with
neither hat nor gloves.
At the top Of the embankment they
paused, and the girl. with her hand at
her throat, looked backward with q
shudder. She seemed like . youns
bird that could scarcely tell which
way to fly.
Without an instant's hesitation, the
young man raised his hand and hailed
a four-wheeler across the street
Come this way. quick!" he urged,
helping her in. He gave the driver
his home address and stepped in after
her. Then. turning, he faced his com.
panion, and was suddenly keenly
aware Of the strange situation in
which he had placed himself
|: Can you tell me what is the mat
ter" he asked. "and where you would
like to got"
The girl had scarcely recovered
breath from the long climb and the
fright, and she answered him In
broken phrases.
mo, cannot tell you what is the
matter"-she paused and looked al
him. with q sudden comprehension OF
what he might be thinking about hel
-'but-there is nothing-that is
have done nothing wrong" She
paused again and looked up with eye,
whose clear depths. he felt, could hide
no guile.
"Of course" he murmured with dc
cision. and then wondered why he fell
so sure about It
Thank you," she said. Then, VIII
frightened perplexity: II don't know
where to 90. never was in this city
before. II you will kindly tell me how
| to get somewhere-I suppose to rail.
road station-and yet-no, I have no
money-and"-then with q sudden lit,
tie movement Of dismay-"and l have
no hat! OH"
The young man felt . strong desire
to shield this girl 20 unexpectedly
thrown on his mercy. Yet vague fears
lowered about the margin Of his judg
ment. Perhaps she was q thief OF
an adventures.
The girl was speaking again: but
must not trouble you any moro. You
have been very kind to get mo out
Of that dreadful place. II you will
Just stop the carriage and let mo out
I am sure can take care Of myself
| II could not think of letting you
get out here alone, II you are in dan
ger. will help you" The warmth oi
his own words startled him. He knew
he ought to be more cautious with {
stranger. but impetuously he threw
caution to the winds. III you would
! Just tell me little bit about Il, %
that should know what ought to do
Tor you"
"oh. must not tell you! couldn'ti'
said the girl. her hand antterine ur