The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1914-05-21

The figure swayed and then moved
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. 1t
was almost a vail
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 woman
She staggered to the side of the road
out of the line of light.
II beg your pardon she cried
1t was like vail Of Disappointment
l 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.
Il am looking for an iun 1t must
be near by. l do"
An inn?" with start
Il do not recall the name. It 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
ct is six or eight miles from here
said Mrs. Wrandall, still looking in
wonder at the miserable night-farer
The girls head sank; a moan of de
| spair came through her lips, ending il
a sob.
$50 far as that?" she murmured
| Then she drew herself up with fine
show of resolution. but l must moi
stop here. Thank you"
"Wait!" cried the other. The cir
turned to her once more. Isis il
a matter of life or death?"
| There was a long silence yes.
must find my way there. 1t is-death.
Sara Wrandall laid her heav1!
gloved hand on the slim fingers tina
| touched the tire.
| Listen to me-" she said, a shril
note of resolve ringing in her voice
Il am going to New York. Won
you let me take you with me?"
The girl drew back. wonder and ap
prehension struggling for the master,
of her eyes.
But am bound the other way T.
the inn. l must go on"
Come with me-" said Sara Wrandal
firmly. you must not go back there
l know what has happened there
Come! l will take care of YOU Yo
must not go to the inn"
"You know" faltered the girl
Eyes. You poor thing!" There wa
infinite pity in her voice.
The ,irl laid her head on her arms
Mrs. Wrandall sat above her, lool
ing down, held mute by warning emo
tons. The impossible had come t
pass. The girl for whom the Who'll
world would be searching in day o
two, had stepped out of the unknow
fate, into the custody of the one pei
son most interested of all in that sci
same world. 1t was unbelievable. Sh
wondered if it were not a dream. O
the hallucination of an overwpugh
mind Spurred by the sudden douf
a. to the reality of the object befor
her, she stretched out her hand an
touched the girls shoulder.
Instantly she looked up. Her I'll
gers sought the friendly hand an
clasped it tightly.
''Oh, If you will only take me to tn
city with you! If you only give m
the chance she cried hoarsely.
don't know what impulse was dri
ing me back there. | only know
could not help myself. You reall