Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1915-03-18

and rested on their toes, ready to
hurl him erect.
For as the sing-song directions
went on Gafford began to understand
all the answer to his mental ques-
tions, and the why Of his inward
mentor, which had apt him close by
the girl. An icy lremor gripped
him, turned into / burning tide OF
rage, and ebbeG, leaving him cold
and calm.
The servitor bowed before va
mata and departed, and Gafford
came to his feet. Swinging on his
heel he turned to the table where
sat Yamata and the girl. With
swift strides he approached and
bowed before the woman. "Perhaps
you recognize me, Miss McRae," he
began.
The blue eyes came up and swept
his face somewhat coldly. Gradually,
however, their scrutiny underwent a
change and softened. aren't you
the gentleman we saw on the quay
the other EVENING"" she asked.
81 am" Gafford assured her
quickly. "That being the case, per-
haps ycu will believe me when I say
that am thoroughly conversant
with native customs, and place some
credence in my statement that you
are at present in deadly danger"
The eyes widened, and the wo-
mans lips half opened. One hand
gripped the edge Of the table.
Danger" she repeated and paused.
Gafford's gaze left her and swung
upon Yamata, who had moved on his
stool as if TO rise. "Mf. Yamata has
told you the truth in part" he stated
briefly. "Women are not allowed in
the eeisha houses. Whether you are
the first w..o has ever entered, as he
says, do not know, but, if others
hav l can assure you they have
never returned to their friends"
Yamata interrupted on the in
stant. "The man is drunk, Mees
McRae. I heard him order sake
when he came in. Pay no attention
to his sayings. He is a poor wharf
lounger, an opium user, low
theeng. He speaks without any true
understanding. I sail have him re-
move"
Gafford leaned forward, md his
face was unpleasant you'll do moth
ing Of the sort, Yamata," he rasped
you'll sit down and keep still, or
I'll break you. You heard me order
sake, but l didn't drink it, and Pm
not intoxicated in the least. I heard
you order tea for Miss McRae, and
tell the attendant to drug it. The
games up, Yamata. Miss McRae
won't drink that tea, and she'll leave
this room with me, either without
trouble or after fight"
The woman rose slowly to her
feet. "Did he really tell them
that" she faltered "That was
what you meant? Oh! l will go
with you. You are a white man.
believe you. I will CO."
81 theenk not" snapped Yamata.
His hand darted beneath the table
and came up clutching something
which glittered blue-black.
Gafford laughed on the instant.
His fist crashed against the snarling
face Of Yamata. His left hand
caught at the wrist Of the hand
which held the revolver and
wrenched it with all his might. Tie
weapon fell from the hasty clutch of
Yamata's fingers and ratified to the
floor.
Miss McRae stopped quickly and
picked it up in a manner which
showed she was familiar with things
of the sort. Gafford followed up his
advantage of th1 moment, and
pinned his an back against the
wall. "Go out the way you came
in," he cried to the woman. ",,ait
for me at the street door"
She obeyed without question. A
moment later the curtains fell be-
hind her. Gafford relaxed his no
on Yamata and stepped back. Be
good, now, and don't try to follow,
or you may get hurt" he cautioned,
and went backward toward the door.
Yamata, Strengthening his disar-
ranged clothing, said nothing, but
scowled in his face.
AS his hand, cropping behind him,
reached for the curtains, it encoun-
tered a soft touch of flesh. Gafford,
turning quickly swung directly face
to face with the girl who had
gripped his hand and guided him
through the door. He stared for an
instant in surprise. She had evil
IDENTIFY remained on the other side
of the draperies dari..g his retreat,
and she held Yamata's revolver
firmly gripped in o hand.
SoihCb ohdPPS, AN1StiSo
from his surprise. "We must get
out of here. Why didn't you do as
l told you and go outsider"
"Take the gun" she answered as
shortly as he questioned. 81 as
waiting to see if you could let 60
of the bear you had caught"
Gaford shot her glance Of ad-
miration and laughed. "BullyW said
he and took the weapon. He seized
her arm and led her quickly to the
street and along it a ways to the
door of the curio store where she
had shopped. Even in those few
steps she noticed his limp.
care you injured?" she asked as
they caused. "Did he hurt you
that dreadful little MANI"
"Not yet" Gaffo- returned with
another laugh. 81 had my foot cut
the other lay. 1t is practically we'll,
but tender. You stop at the Nippon,
/ think. We would better return
there without delay.
"You mean we are not yet out of
danger?" said Miss McRae.