Mexico Missouri message., 1914-02-26

I "Oh, no-nOno," came n tense whis-
per. You don't know what you are
| talking about. You haven't the slight
| est idea Of the circumstances.
Now listen TO mel must hurry.
have come here to release you. If
| everything is all right mean, II you
can satisfy me that | am warranted in
| freeing you--you can go. Otherwise
must leave you as you are; and IL
don't want to do that"
And don't want you TO, believe
me-" breathed Tom, fervently. Are
you the girl who asked me my name
downstalrs?"
Eyes"
II want to hear your voice again.
But more than anything else, want to
see your face. II 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 shant ask
yours-not Just at present-but I mean
to know 1t some day. mean to have
you to myself some time. 30 that can
look at you to my hearts content |
| know you are beautiful"
The response to this. whisper though
II was. revealed flash OF spirit.
Much good 1t would do to you to
ask! II you don't remain quiet shall
leave you at once"
II 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 unbroken
that the girls fortitude failed her.
"Well?" The tremulous whisper con.
veyed 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-haye you--fainted?"
Not a sound from Tom.
Presently he felt little hand touch
his breast, as lightly as feather, and
warm glow flowed through him that
effectively banished the chill of his
damp clothing. Then the hand fiut
tered to his face and, in the darkness,
rested 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 contended that because the act was
inadvertent. 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 II 1t had touched a live coal
and the girl rose to her feet. utterly
disregardtul OF the noise she made in
doing so.
Tom could hear her painting; in i'm
agination he could see her standing
white and rigid with terror, and he
was promptly contrite.
You are frightened" he said, alb
jectly apologetic.
"Oh, AMI ami" she moaned. I'll
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 haC
happened"
What do you think of mel" hi
groaned.
Il think you are a cheeky younl
man. ! must have been insane ever u
have thought of aiding you TO es
cape"
Don't say that" he muttered ii
hoarse CONSERVATION. Forgive me-
please do ! shan't take back anythinl
I've said or done, but III promise u
be good-to do exactly what you say.
There fell another pause. Then
win you promise that" whispered
the girl.
q have promised" Tom whispered
back.
ON your word OF honor"
ON my word of honr as a gentle
man"
lie heard a long sigh Of relief, ant
the girl cautiously resumed her for
mer position at his side.
Here is my plan" she said, "ant
you must be obedient in every littl,
detail ] shall have TO blindfold 70,
again and lead you some distance from
the house. Have you any idea wher,
r you are?"
Not a glimmer OF one"
And II you were out OF sight of tn
? house, you couldn't find your wa,
back to it,"
If you told me not TO shouldn'
T. even try to find it,"
D Very well, Now let me unite you
| hands"
P The task was not an easy one, 10
r the knots had been tightly tied an
. | worn StiIl damn Rut prauaptly ~