Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1914-12-01

every ignominy conceivable. In pub
lie he pays me no more heed than he
would dog, and takes cruel delight in
saying cutting things to me before
people. But for these caustic speeches,
he ignores me. In private it is worse,
He uses foul and insulting language,
twits me with my beggared condition
before he married me; and last night
last night-he struck me. Oh. Eric,
Eric! Here-look--I will show you.
Here is where his fist fell"
With uncertain fingers she unlocked
gold pin at her throat, and drew
the drapery away toward her shoulder
On her white skin, some three inches
from the base of her neck. we're four
purplish spots, each about the size OF
a quarter.
When Doctor Surge's eyes rested up
on these he rose to his feet and drew
deep breath Within him all the
devils which ever inhabited a mans
breast-be he barbarian or civilized
were loosed AS for that, a man never
ceases to be a barbarian.
Eric Surge rose from the side Of the
woman he loved cave-man, nothing
more or less. The sane. reasoning
brain which had made him good ply
stefan was gone; the soul which had
made him love his fellow creatures
and strive for their healing and com.
fort wassreduced to an atomy.
GA Il. H.. 1.f e.l1. Al
cerned that, for the moment, blind
wrath held absolute control over his
mind, and strange feeling of blissfui
exultation swept over her.
What is this, MADAME"
Trevanon stood not five feet away
He addressed his wife in cold, cutting
tones. His suspicious mind had led
him to seek her in slippers, which
made his approach noiseless.
He was a square-set rather heavy
man, with big head and protrudine
lower jaw He paid no heed to the
tall, rigid form of Doctor Surge.
She made no answer, but mutely
turned her face up to the man beside
her.
What shameless business Is this?'
resumed Trevanon, and his hard voice
rang with a gloating intonation. is
this the way you seek fresh air,
you"
His last word was base, and was
Kissed out vindictively.
The cave-man took two forward
steps, and interposed his body between
the mute figure of the woman and the
low being who faced her
He had thrown off his coat. He did
not speak, but kind of rasping growl
came from his throat; he seemed tc
diminish in stature as head and shout
ders drew closer together, and he ap.
peared to concentrate his whole form
into one knot of savage rage.
Thus, bending his body forward, he
began to approach Treyanon, who had
fallen back few steps when the doc.
tor came forward.
Trevanon might have called, or run,
but he did neither. He, too, thought
that he was angered; but his feelings
were as sheltered pool to storm.
tortured ocean But he decided to
fight, and, silently assuming a de.
fensive attitude, awaited the attack.
A second more the ships doctor had
him in his grip Straight through
guard and blows marched the cave.
man, and flung his long arms round
Trevanons shoulders, crushing his
arms to his sides. AS he felt that aw.
full hug growing tighter and tighter
Trevanon knew that a demon had him,
and that it was the demons wish and
will to kill him. He must fight. and
fight hard, II he wanted to live.
Fear gave him a momentary might,
and he wrested one arm free of the
constructing band, and struck with his
fist at the contorted, frozen face of this
strange animal which held him.
Through the others dull mind flick
cred the thought that this fist had
made those marks which had turned
him mad. Trevanon was being borne
steadily backward toward the ships
rail-toward the measureless profund
ity beyond it-toward death.
A second spasm of strength came te
him, and he strove to drag the terror
to the deck. He let all his heavy
weight sag, and pulled downward. Fol
a time each was on his knees, writing
silently like bulldogs which have
locked
The woman leaned slightly forward
her eyes stretched and strained, hel
lips barely parted wonder, exaltation
and horror blending curiously upon
her face.
Now they were up again, nearer the
rail. Even when they were down thai
memorable force had come closer to It's
will. Not a word had been spoken be
tween them. Trevanon heard the wash
| OF the water against the side Of the
liner; 1t was a sinister sound.
He tried to twist about. away from
the depths he was so near.
The cave-man had at last found tbs
4 hold he wanted-the hold which cen
1 turtles agone his forbears had useC
/ before bronze was even known. The
form OF Trevanon left the deck ant
! came up, up, to the shoulder Of tbs
/ terror.
Fear had palsied the wretch's tongue
Two staggering steps forward. and ;
live body shot head first over the yes
sells rail and plunged into the waters
below.
The shrek Trevanon gave came to,
late; the waters choked it,
With the act the ages rolled ava.
from the mind and soul OF Eric Surge
and he was a gentleman again in TIL
| presence OF sweet woman.
Softly he drew near her. and she M