Putnam patriot., 1915-01-08


 It was pam enough the ofncer was puzzled. yer he reluctantly released his grip on my arm.
 Its half 0i belave yer stringin' me roight now" h. announced doubtfully, but Oill give yer ther benefit ov the doubt Don't let ne run across yer along this beat agin ternight. Go on. nowl'
 felt her hand touch my sleeve tim idly and caught a swift glimpse of her eyes We must carry out the deeep- ton now and go away together. With out venturng to speak or glance around We walked forward into the enveloping mist. Her fingers. for ap- pearanees sake. barely touched the rough cloth of my sleeve. All this had occurred so swiftly. so suddenly. that | was yet bewildered. unable to de eide on a course of action. The girl l noticed. wa& breathing heavily from excitement her eyes cast down upon the wet pavement. Once. beneath the glow of the lamp at the first corner, ventured to glance slyly aside at her in curiosity. mentally photographing the clear outline of her features. the strands of tight brown hair struggling rebelliously from beneath the wide brim of the hat. There was more than mere hint of character about that resolnte mouth. the white contour of cheek
 At the second street intersection she turned east. advancing toward where passing trolley cars promised some life and activity even at that late hour. lmpulsively she stopped and faced me her hands elasped.
 "I-I-please-l will say good night now" she said. endeavoring to speak firmly. yet with no uplifting of the eyes. Hesitatingiy l stood still, feeling strangely embarrassed by this sudden curt dismissal.
 "Do-do you mean you wish me to leave you alone on the street at this hour?" l questioned uneasily. At least permit me to see you home safely. will not hurt you or speak word.
 There was a tone of earnestness in my plea but she only shook her head dacisively. lips pressed close together. "1-I am not afraid of-of you" she returned at last doubtfully. 1t is not that. but-but really 1 cannot permit you to accompany me farther
 "0nly to the place where you said you lived, I urged eagerly. T prom fse spot even to take note of the num- her and win never bother you any more"
 Her fine eyes hardened. then sank slowly before mine.
 "That-that was lie also" she ac- Gnowledged half dehantly Fl do not live about here"
 I stared at her in sudden doubt, vet remained loyal to my first impression All the greater reason then, for not leaving you here alone"
 She laughed. a faint tinge of bitter ness in the sound.
 Surely you cannot imagine l would feel any safer in company with a burglar?" che asked sharply.
 My face flushed. could not ex- plain. It wuuld require too long. and she would in all probability refuse to believe the story Besides. what diff ference couhl it make: She had as much to explain as l. no more reason to suspect me than I had her. Let us meet. then. on common Sronnd
 "Tf grant your nasty guess to be partially correct" l returned finally. my voice deepening with earnestness, and confess l was avoiding observa- fion-what then? Can you not also be- lieve me man capable of treating you honorablyf"
 Yes. she confessed reluctantly enough. 'I-I believe I can
 Then yield me the benefit of such charity of judgment l went on. At least give me an opportunity to ex- hibit my gratitude"
 She remained silent. motionless.
 Why not? Is it because you have no confidence in mel" l insisted.
 She put out one hand. grasping the iron rail of fence. and l thought could see her form tremble.
 "Oh. no. It-it is not that exactly" she explained brokenly. T believe I - might trust you. but-but of course I do not know l think you-you mem we'll Your words sound hon.