The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1914-04-15

And don't you see," the other asked
abruptly, that you're only making things
worse? Suppose l hand you over to the
police and you are sent to prison for ten
years What would become of your wife
and children
A pitifuI groan slipped from Gibbs
lips. Il had to take a chance" he mum
bled.
DO you love her so much?''
Gibbs stared at the questioner as II
he regarded the question utterly absurd.
Guess l love her enough for anythin-
l could die for her he groaned.
DO you mean that? Do you really
mean you would be willing to die If by
so doing you could help your wife,"
Gibbs hesitated for an instant then
nodded slowly. The other regarded him
with searching glance. His face was
white and tense, and Gibbs knew dimly
that some strong. splendid emotion
thrObbed within him.
You are sure you understand? You
are really willing to die for your wife
you really love her enough for thatT'
The mans voice was husky, and he
waited breathlessly for the answer
Again Gibbs hcsitated. and then came
his reply, slow but emphatic. A strange
light twinkled in the others eyes; it was
like the fiutter of a hope aiming toward
dizzy heights.
Il am going to put you to a test" he
said. But first 1 want to tell you some
thing. You think I have everything. that
l lack nothing, merely because l happen
to live in a fine house. You are wrong.
You don't know us. you don't understand
us-any more than We understand you.
Once there was man who lived in a
house just as fine as this. He had money,
and they say money can buy anything.
Bosh, He lacked something that he
priced far above all his earthly goods
lacked something that you have. He
lacked love-and love was what he craved
God, how he craved II! He loved his
wife, loved her just as intensely and
passionately as you love yours. He could
have died for her. But she-she was
different. Maybe she wasn't worthy Of
love like that: maybe"
He sighed a deep. despairing sigh.
she proved untrue to him, and the ex-
perience Slapped his blood, his strength
robbed him of faith and hope. OF belief
in God and humanity. Something vital
and splendid, all that had made life
worth living, was wrung from him. And
then, when nothing remainedS-though he
had everything that money can buy-he
decided to end 1t all. He meant to die
to swallow this"
He pointed to the tumbler with the
brownish liquid, and suddenly under
standing came to Gibbs.
II told you 1 was going to put you
to a test" he said. slowly, lifelessly.
There's 5000 in that safe. Your wife
shall have it II you will swallow the en-
tents of this glass 1t is a powerful
poison. but 1t does not take effect until
an hour after it is swallowed. In the
meantime l shall call a messenger and
send the money to your wife. Do you
accept"
Gibbs stared at the tumbler with
rapt, fascinated expression. The man
peered into his face and thought he un-
derstood the conflicting emotions that
fought for supremacy, the fears, the
dread, the hope, and the love. There was
a vast. vibrant silence between them, and
then the man knew that love had won.
Yes" said Gibbs huskily.
A wonderful light crept into the others
eyes. Then you are to swallow this"
he said, taking the tumbler. II pour the