Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1913-01-15
THE WOMAN THAT
CROSSED HIS PATH
BY PAUL TRENT.

It was the third time that the two
men had made the same seat on the
embankment their resting place for
the night.
I'm wondering what it'll be like
when the cold weather comes"
Sufficient unto the day." Philbank
laughed harshly.
1t was weakness and not vice that
had brought him to this state. In
South Africa he had fought brilliant.
ly, and returned to England with the
brightest prospects. But woman
had crossed his path-a woman with
the devils beauty that had made him
forget everything save his desire.
Career mad been sacrificed at her al
tar-money had been thrown away
and then she had coldly dismissed
him. The descent had been rapid, and
now for months he had been existing
from hand to mouth-and for the
last few days homeless and half
starved.
Il wish to God they'd give me an.
other chance" the younger suddenly
said
Philbank looked at him suspicious.
ly and seemed about to speak, then
lesitated, and finally remained 81.
lent
Could you make good-with an
other chance?" he asked at last
Il believe so.'
Then you shall have one. Wait G
moment"
Philbank hailed a passing police.
nan.
officer, can you oblige me with a
piece Of paper and pencil?" he
asked.
The constable put his hand in his
pocket and produced the required ar
ticles. Philbank wrote rapidly, and
h&nded back the pencil with thanks.
Take this to the Savoy and ask
1or Colonel Strathmore. But I want
your word that you won't say where
you have seen me- Philbank said
roughly to the other. Good luck to
you"
Thanks. and"
Cut along"
Philbank watched him cross to the
other side of the embankment
Il believe l can do it-now," he
muttered, and drew near the parapet.
For a moment his muscles we're taut
and then his body relaxed
Il haven't got the pluck he said
with groan. and he despised himself
the more for his cowardce
He was about to turn away, when
shrill cry could be heard some thirty
yards off, and crowd quickly gather.
| ed, all eyes peering eagerly toward the
river. He hurried along and asked
what had happened.
"A woman has jumped over" some
one said.
Philbank threw of his coat, and
dove toward dark object which could
| just be seen. He swan strongly, but
as he reached her she struggled fierce
| ly to free herself from his grasp.
Let me die"
Don't be fool" he cried, and
when she continued to fight he raised
his fist and struck her sharply on the
temple.
Then her struggles ceased and he
| commenced 70 tow her slowly toward
the embankment. Her clothes became
saturated and his burden the heavier.
but still he struggled on. Bodily
fD1I 10 nd CT OFT
wavered, until his arms barely moved.
I'm done!" he gasped. and his
senses were vanishing. when a dark
body loomed over them and voices
sounded in his ears.
When Philbank recovered con-
sciousness he was lying in a bed with
clean sheets, the touch of silk on his
| skin.
Where am I?' he asked, feverish-
ly. And kindly blue eyes looked down
at him.
"Strathmore!" he gasped.
You mustn't talk, old man. Go to
Sleep" was the gentle answer.
A couple of days later he vas seat.
GU VII lllc UliCouy, DuI hO" hC was
we'll dressed and his stomach was no
longer empty Beside him was Col.
onel Strathmore.
You are sure you are strong
enough to go TO the inquest?" the col
onel asked anXiously.
Quite sure And so the poor devil
is dead Well, she wanted to die"
An hour later Philbank entered the
mortuary and his eyes rested on the
face of the woman whose life he had
struggled to save.
"Heaven!" he cried. and his voice
was filled with horror. 1t was the
woman who had ruined his life.
touched her hand and trembled at lis
chill. Her eyes-they wero blue"
we're open, and on her forehead was
a bruise Slowly he bert his head,
| and the Inns touched the diSColOred