The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1915-09-11
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| Will swinging stTtOe tnat made Oh
vious serene confidence in her abslit,
f., to take care Of herself. What the IN
knowing called willfulness was simpl,
natural independence, which she as
serted whenever occasion demanded II
She loved to prowl through the
strange streets and alleys and strange,
( shops; il was JOY to rambie about
| minus the irritating opportunities OF
/ guide or attendant. 1t was great fun
! but it was not always wise. There
were some situations which only men
could successfully handle Elsa would
never confess that there had been
awkward moments when. being an ex.
cellent runner. she had blithely taken
to her heels.
In her cool. white drill, her wide,
white pith helmet. she presented a
| charming picture. The exercise had
given her cheeks bit Of color, and
her eyes sparkled and flashed like
raindrops This morning she had
taken Martha along merely to still her
protests.
Its all right SO long as we keep to
the main Streets" said the harried
Martha. but | do not like the idea
OF roaming about in the native quar-
ters This is not like Europe The
hotel manager said we ought to have
man."
He is looking out for his commits
sion. Heavens! what IS the matter
with everybody One would think, the
way people put themselves out to warn
you. that murder and robbery were
daily occurrences in Asia I've been
here four months, and the only dis.
agreeable moment have known was
caused by a white man"
Because we have been lucky so far.
it's no sign that we shall continue So"
And'Martla shut her lips grimly. Her
worry was not confined to this particu-
lar phase OF Elsa's imperious moods:
II was general. There was that blond
man with the parrot. She would never
feel at ease until they were out OF
Yokohama. homeward bound.
Il feel like child this morning"
said Elsa. Il want to run and play
and shout"
All the more reason why you should
have guardian. Look. Elsa"
Martha caught the girl by the arm.
There's that man we left at Manda-
lay coming toward rs, Shall we &C
into this shop?"
NO. thank you! There is no reason
why should hide in a butcher shop
simply to avoid meeting the man.
Wen walk straight past him. II he
speaks we'll ignore him"
Il wish We were in a civilized coun-
try"
This man is supposed to be civil.
lized Don't let him catch your eye.
Go on; don't lag"
Craig stepped In front Of them. smil-
ing as he raised his helmet. This Is
an unexpected pleasure"
Elsa. looking coidly beyond him. at.
tempted to pass.
Surely you remember me?"
u remember an insolent cad" re-
piled Elsa. her eyes beginning to burn
will you stand aside?"
He threw swift glance about He
saw with satisfaction that none but
natives was In evidence.
Elsa's glance roved, too, with little
chill of despair. In stories Warrington
would have appeared about this time
and soundly troupced this impudent
scoundrel She realized that she must |
settle this affair alone. She was not |
a soldiers daughter for nothing.
Stand aside!"
"Holty-toity!" he laughed. He had
been drinking literally and was Q |
shade reckless. Why not be a good |
fellow? Over here nobody minds. ]
know neat little restaurant. Bring
The old lady along" with a genial nod
coward the quaking Martha.
Resolutely Elsa's hand went up to
Ter helmet, and with a flourish drew
'ut one OF the long steel pins.
"Oh. Elsa!" warned Martha
BE still! This fellow needs a les.
ION. Once more. Mr.. Craig. will you
stand aside?"
Had he been sober he would have
'een the real danger in the young
eyes.
Cruel" he said. AT least. one
Iiss." putting out his arms
Elsa. merciless in her fury, plunged
he pin into his wrist 1t stung like q
lornet. and. with gasp of pain, Craig
capped back out Of range. sobered.
why, you she-cat!"
81 warned you," she replied. her
dice steady and low. THE second stab
will be serious. Stand aside"
He stepped in.c The gutter, biting
is lips and straining his uninjured
and over the hurting throb In his
criot lie hoA hoA vn,iAo |