The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1914-05-21

est luSd Oh the circumstances.
Now listen to mel must hurry. |
have come here to release you. If
everything is all right mean, If you
can satisfy me that am warranted in
freeing yOu-you can go. Otherwise
/ must leave you as you are; and II
don't wan to do that"
And l don't want you to, believe
me-" breathed Tom, fervently. Are
you the girl who asked me my name
downstairsT"
Yes"
Il want to hear your voice again.
But more than anything else, | want to
see your face. If you're the same girl,
I'll agree to anything-even to remain
ing here, like this, to die"
This rash declaration was ignored.
will you tell me your name now?"
asked the girl.
Tom Phinney," that young gentle
man replied simply. Il shan't ask
yours-not just at present-but l mean
to know 1t some day. | mean to have
you to myself some time, so that | can
look at you to my hearts content. l
know you are beautiful"
The response to this, whisper though
it was, revealed a flash of spirit.
Much good it would do to you to
ask! If you don't remain quiet | shall
leave you at once"
If silence was what she wanted, sure
ly she could not complain of the in
tensity Of that which Immediately en-
sued. 1t remained so long unbrokeh
that the girls fortitude failed her.
"Well?" The tremulous whisper con-
veyed a distinct impression to Tom
she was afraid. Are you going to
stop. talking so silly?"
But he did not speak; indeed, he was
once more holding his breath.
After another pause
Are you asleep?" the girl whispered.
Have you-have you-fainted?"
Not a sound from Tom.
Presently he felt a little hand touch
his breast. as lightly as a feather, and
a warm glow flowed through him that
effectively banished the chill of his
damp clothing. Then the hand flut-
tered to his face and, in the darkness.
rested a moment upon his mouth.
Afterwards Tom stoutly asserted
that what he did was wholly inadvert-
ent, citing as valid ~corroborative evil
dence the fact that he had had no time
to will the act; and at the same time
he c]ontended that because the act was
i~nadvertent, it was sincere and there
fore to be condoned.
Anyhow, he kissed the softest and
sweetest palm in all the world.
The immediate result, however,
nearly spelled disaster for this mid
night enterprise. The hand was with
drawn as If it had touched a live coal.
and the girl rose to her feet, utterly
disregardful OF the noise she made in
doing so.
Tom could hear her painting; in im-
agination he could see her standing
white and rigid with terror, and he
was promptly contrite.
You are frightened" he said, alb.
jectly apologize.
"Oh, | AMI ami" she moaned. III
you knew what this meant for me you
wouldn't be so foolish. All my life
long | have been afraid OF the dark
not just shivery afraid, but frightened
clear out OF my wits. And you-you"
Tom caught a sob-"you make IL SC
much worse. | didn't know what had
happened"
What do you think of mel" he
groaned.
Il think you are a cheeky young
man. | must have been insane ever tC
have thought of aiding you to es
cape"
Don't say that" he muttered in
hoarse CONSERVATION. Forgive me
please do. l shan't take back anything
I've said or done, but I'll promise to
be good-to do exactly what you say
There fell another pause. Then
"Will you promise that?" whispered
the girl.
Il have promised" Tom whispered
back.
ION your word of honor?"
ION my word of honr as a gentle.
man"
He heard a long sigh Of relief, and
the girl cautiously resumed her for
mer position at his side.
Here is my plan." she said, land
you must be obedient in every little
detail. I shall have to blindfold you
again and lead you some distance from
the house. Have you any idea where
you are?"
mot q glimmer of one"
"And II you we're out Of sight Of the
house, you couldn't find your way
back to IT,"
IF you told me not to / shouldn't
even try to ind It."
Very well. Now let me unite you
hands"
The task was not an easy one. FOL
the knots had been tightly tied an(
were still damp. But presently hi
hands were free. and the FIRST unham
pered movement of his arms wruni
J from him q eroan Of anguish