The Madison journal., 1914-04-11

The figure swayed and then moved 7
a few steps forward. Blinded by the
lights, she bent her head and shielded
her eyes with her hand the better to
glimpse the occupant of the car.
Are you looking for me?' she cried
out shrilly, at the same time spread
ing her arms as if in surrender. II
was almost wall.
Mrs. Wrandall caught her breath.
Her heart began to beat once more.
Who are you? What do you want"
she cried out without knowing what
she said.
The girl started. She had not ex-
pected to hear the voice of a woman.
She staggered to the side Of the road,
out of the line of light.
II beg your pardon" she cried
1t was like a wall of disappointment
Il am sorry to have stopped you"
Come here" commanded the other,
still staring
The unsteady figure advanced. Halt
ing beside the car, she leaned across
the spare tires and gazed into the
eyes of the driver. Their faces were
not more than foot apart. their eyes
were narrowed in tense scrutiny.
What do you want?" repeated Mrs.
Wrandall, her voice hoarse and trem-
ulous.
81 am looking for an inn. 1t must
be near by. | do
IAN inn?" with a start.
Il do not recall the name. 1t Is not
far from a village. in the hills
DO you mean Burton's?"
"Yes. That's it. Can you direct
me?" The voice of the girl was faint;
she seemed about to fall.
1T is six or eight miles from here,
said Mrs. Wrandall, still looking in
wonder at the miserable night-farer.
The girls head sank: moan Of de-
spair came through her lips, ending In
sob.
80 far as that?" she murmured.
Then she drew herself up with fine
show of resolution. But l must not
stop here. Thank you"
Wait" cried the other. The girl
turned to her once more. Isis 1t
a matter of life or death?"
There was a long silence. "Yes. /
must find my way there. 1t is-death.'
Sara Wrandall laid her heavily
gloved hand on the slim fingers that
touched the tire.
Listen to me-" she said. shrill
note of resolve ringing in her voice.
81 am going to New York. Won't
you let me take you with me?"
The girl drew back, wonder and ap-
prehension struggling for the mastery
of her eyes.
But am bound the other way. To
the inn. | must go on"
Come with me-" said Sara Wrandall
firmly. "You must not go back there
know what has happened there.
Come, | will take care of you. You
must not go to the inn"
You know" faltered the girl.
Yes. You poor thing!" There was
infinite pity in her voice.
The 'irl laid her head on her arms
Mrs. Wrandall sat above her, look
ing down. held mute by warning emo
tions. The impossible had come te
pass. The girl for whom the whole
world would be searching in day ol
two, had stepped out of the unknown
and, by the most whimsical jest o.
fate, into the custody Of the one per
son most interested of all in that self
same world. 1t was unbelievable. Sh'
wondered If it were not a dream. Of
the hallucination Of an overwrough
mind. Spurred by the sudden doub
a to the reality of the object befor
her, she stretched out her hand ant
touched the girls shoulder.
Instantly she looked up. Her nm
, gers sought the friendly hand an
! clasped it tightly.
"Oh, IL you will only take me to tn
city with you! II you only give m
:, the chance" she cried hoarsely.
don't know what impulse was dri'
: ing me back there. | only know
could not helm myself You reall