The Spectator., 1914-12-18

Oni N a1nC nOtnln much, salu tuo cabby sheepishly. "I aint goin' to be married, thet's all!"
 Wherewith he was gone, and Hill, without stopping to ponder upon the content of this odd reply. set himself to carrying Nita up the stairway. At the first landing he stopped and The door was presently opened by Beau-Jean, scantily clad colossus, silhouetted in the aperture against the light of . single candle. With an exclamation of dismay, the man stepped back to admit Hill and his burden, and the painter, staggering across the tiny room, deposited Nita upon . ragged bed that stood beside the cook stove.
 "Holy Mother!" breathed Beau-Jean. '1s she dead?"
 No! Where are the women?" asked Hill.
 In response to the question Gune- viere raised herself from her pallet of quilts in the opposite corner, 8 sturdy, unmodern figure, with head swathed for sleeping. With entire un- concern for her negligee, she arose and came to the assistance of the older woman.
 God save us! she is too ancient to survive such injury!" she exclaimed. examining a swelling which was now quite obvious on the crone's forehead. stIJorvoorfot Annoi oOvy,ofp
 From a tiny inner closet came Her. mania, clad as for the day, save for the absence of shoes, and her forehead band of coins, which was at this mo- ment reposing in her bosom for greater comfort with no less safety. After her came Carlos, sleep-stupid and annoyed. In a moment both wom- en were busy over the prostrated form of the injured one; and to the men Hill was giving an account of the ad- venture that had brought them to such @ pass. They listened without being able to throw the smallest light upon the subject. nor identify the enemy who had assaulted the old lady in SC cowardly a fashion.
 Which of you has ever heard of hel enemy?" Hill was asking. None really? And has she no kin whom we should call upon for help?"
 Nay" said Beau-Jean, the ponder ous, "she is from the America-of-the South. If she hath kin, they are toe far away to levy claim upon"
 "America-of-the-Sout What do you mean?"
 Venezuela, I think" said Rico.
 But how is 1t possible that no one knows anything further about herr cried Hill. You have all been with her for years. Surely you must know or the women will, perhaps"
 "No one but Pedro knows" said Rico positively. They came together we all know that much. But beyond that"
 He waved his hand with @ gesture expressive of infinite vagueness.
 Then, if anything threatens her 1t may also affect Pedro" said Hill.
 Perhaps the Old One will speah soon." suggested Beau,Jean, "and then we can find out"
 It was a hope to which they al agreed, but which was not to be full filled during the watches of that night As 1t became evident that rest was the most important thing for her. and thai little or nothing could be done unti the morrow, the watchers. one by one betook themselves to bed.
 
 The next day a doctor came and pro nounced that there was nothing alarm ing in Nita's injuries, but that shs must rest for a few days and have great care. Then he took most oi their money, and having drugged Nita after the custom of certain beasts who prey upon the not infreQuent victim to be found among the tenements, pro ceeded to make case for himself whereby he could come daily until his patients finances were exhausted. And for several days his little plan succeed ed. for Guneviere was faithful to the nursing, and administered the drug with great regularity. On the days when Hermania remained at home tc care for the old woman. she. too, was painstaking and vigilant. But there came a time when it was Anna's turn to watch. and Anna forgot to give the medicine" For poor little Anna wep' at being separated from Rico. ant weeping. fell asleep. When she awoke the day was gone, and what was more Nita was gone also. The bed was made. the old woman's clothing had disappeared. and on the table the empty coffee cup and plate. showed that Nita had not gone hungry!
 
 Now the doctor had been a severe drain upon the resources of these peo pie, and just at present Hill was bring ing in the most money. for he added to his exhibition. sketching portraits at 25 cents apiece. He was usually the first to step out, and last to return. and this was more regularly the case since