The log cabin Democrat., 1914-10-30


 Perhaps 1t is better"
 For full hour he did not speak an hour wherein the stars sprayed themselves over the heavens. Then h. spoke again as though to himself
 "Yes. child, perhaps 1t is better so It is so much simpler to fight agains Wetherell than against you"
 There was note of pathos, of long Ing. In his tones that made her lips tremble in sympathy for the man who had so splendidly misjudged the life that had been given him. had so mis used the marvellous brain Again came that feminine instinct to proselyte. and again did glance at his determined face make her desist. She would fight and fight and die fighting to prevent him accomplishing his aim, but, to save her. she could feel no hatred against this one who would wreck those she held most dear.
 You still have hope" she murmur. cd, anxious to hear him answer in the affirmative.
 Hope" he laughed aloud. Child. 1t Is written in the stars that shall not fall. cannot fail. You have read my diary. You know what I have done to accomplish my ends. have overthrown nations, have thousands at my feet. And all for what? That when l struck at the man l hated there should be no chance for failure And now the last chance has been overthrown. I faltered. Lucille. fal- tered when should have put you out Of my path forever; when I should nave made an end to your interfer ence. Destiny has intervened, Lucille. know it. feel it-in my heart"
 She watched him. fascinated. AS he coolly rose and examined the provis ions apportioned them. counting each biscuit, testing the water keg.
 By stinting there is enough for three days" he said quietly. 'T think It would be better to wait till morn Ing" He drew his coat off and pass cd 1t to her. drowning down her remon strances at the deprivation. The warmth of 1t made her realize for the nrst time that she had been chilled through by the cold night air and che flashed him a look of gratitude, watching him as he bent over a slip of paper after long scrutiny of the stars Then she slept
 She woke to sensation of pain in her head. as though some giant weight tested there. pressing down as though to crush the forehead. For a moment she did not realize where she was stared about her perplexedly, tried to Identify the gentle, undulating motion of the boat, the soft sweeping sound of the waters. Then her eyes met the melancholy ones of Hugo Loubeque.
 The sun was beating down upon them ferociously, as though 1t would consume those hardy intruders. Her head ached, when she would have spoken. she found her tongue swollen. her voice thick. her lips parched.
 Water - please" she stammered. then glared in horror at the interna,
  moved carefully to her side. placing his. hands upon her arm.
 There is no water" he said gently "In their hurry they put an empty kes in the boat. It Is the test of fate, my dear. Try not to think of it-try"-
 He did not finish for the pity within him at her brave struggle not to show her fear, her pain. Her lips trembled as she tried bravely to smile, then with a determined effort, she sat up right. Her head ached maddeningly and the sun seemed to fairly sizzle down upon her
 Last night when l discovered the keg was empty" Loubeque said reas- reckoning. We are well within the fishing zone of the coast. There Is al ways chance of being picked up Don't fear, Lucille"
 She smiled bravely, the effort only making her realize that the heat was paralyzing her facial muscles. After that she sat quite still, enduring in si lence the maddening heat. the worse thirst. At times she thought she would be unable to stand it longer, that she must reach into this endless expanse of ocean and drink-drink; that she must plunge over the boats side and allow the salt water to be absorbed by her body.
 Night came and the stars, but night and stars from which all kindliness had fled. She knew it would be impos- sible to endure the strain longer. Lou beque's silent figure was motionless, Tn one long, gliding motion she half