The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1913-12-11
ing In . Lofty Tower
BY AGNES G. BRocAN

BY AGNES G. BRocAN
Billie Van had been in sfnte Of de-
preston for days Even the fellows
at the club noticed It. Games which
had heretofore been his delight now
failed to amuse. while friendly rnillery
met with no response An he strOlled
down Fifth avenue lost in giNnny med
itation Billie was unn ware OF a yO,lnK
wannan's presence ut his side until she
gayly tapped him on the shoulder.
billie boy. asked the young woE,-
an. whittier goest thou IN snch nm alb
sent mood?'
Billie glowered at her for a moment
without making reply. then calmly
possessed himself OF her velvet clad
arm II want to talk 10 ron. Belle.
he said
/ The girl glanced at him In quick tlls-
pleasure, III you are going to bring
that old subject mp again. Billie" she
cried petulantiy. ''let me tell ron right
t now It will be useless.
Probably" the young man quietly
answered Nevertheless slnll tTou-
BILE you once more Il viii he the last
time Are you still determined IL your
| purpose. Belle?''
She langhed softly. "stili 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 passionateiy.
No heart? r she lightly answered
"Hew often have ! told you except for
money. Billie!''
Then" said the young man delib
erately. Il have also reached q de
cision Would you like to have ME tell
you what tiiat means2'
4 There was tense earnestness 10 the
question which caused Bellies face ia
flush with annoyance 'sThis Is hardly
the place for discussion. she mn
swered nervousiy. unless you care IL
shout above the traffic
Billie Van looked strnight before
him. Then his wandering gaze fel
upon a white lowered building whose
cleaning balcony seemed as remote
rs distant from the crowded street 4.
the very clouds above. lmpuislvely
the young man raised his hand .I.sl
us go up there. Belle. he said II
will take b.lt Il moment. aud we slsnl
be alone and undisturt,ed
The CIR! ianglned in0ckingly. Ar,
you quite crazy. Rillie." she exclninn.d
His eyes sought hers compellingly
Almost roughly he drew her, into tn,
great Stone entrance. .srile question
4 wish to ask must be answered now
he said
With u strange feeling Ut npprehen
sion the young woman watched tll,
tiny sinking light which hernlded th.
ascent of the elevator. Thirty. for
ty'- she couHted the stories absent,
as the car dew up like bird Thel
Billie led her out to the parapet OF th
balcony.
aWell. Billie" she asked. ..the decl
sion? 7?
He turned abruptly. as one stnrtled
Grim lines deepened about his boyisl
mouth $50 money alone spells happl
ness for yon. BELIEF She nodded curl
" And a psor mans love counts 10
nothing?'
Nothing" she responded. and he
red lips closed firmly.
Billie Van laughed. It wns mirtt
less laugh. which echoed eerily up |
the silent tower This. then. b my d
ctsion.'' he said slowly. FOR your haI
piness has been my one endeayor "
had nothing else to i've for. 80 wh
now worry ionger?" He bent lowe
over the parapet II tell you ono
more. Belle I'm going to give ,ip tn
/ everlasting struggle. I've really notl
Ing to lose After all'-BiIlie's vote
trailed OF dreamiIy-ait's only lea
| In the dark. be murmured, -oniy
leap In the dark
III His companion drew back again
the wall with sharp cry. You are
coward. Billie Van" she said chokin
Il " trying to make me responsible Z
this rash thing you would do But
am not concerned do you hear? ha'
no belief in your threat, and I'm gOir
down There WIS clicking soul
as the door closed behind her
You are hypocrite. old girl" b
lie mnttered turing us on with fa:l
hopes. but I've done with your etern
promise. No more for me. ".s Sadne
settled in his brooding eyes. Bill
removed his hat and tossed if 70 q
door. while the cool breeze famed b
forehead
Il guess Belle was right" be %
himself. n am coward-Just Z co,
ard r
Billie van never knew quite wh
happened next He became sudden
aware Of pair Of light enfoldll
/ arms and as he glanced down at I
l own encircled breadth Billiefs aseo
/ ist ed gaze felT upon two small bers
/ ded hands locked closely on bis breai
"Piease!- cried the girl breathseAs
II ..Oh. pleaser and could my no mol
/ but. though the vibrant voice bro
i helpisssly. the young. strong arms q
1 held him ID an almost pfcelike gfa1
-Yoa must not do II. the tIeusbtl
Il voicr went on. and the gifi empl
sized her command witha littje NM
| shake !. You havs quits Dost y
\ senses Latef. when ron think q