davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus., 1915-05-20

'fr.f NItH eH. arf r. no
Temps publishes seteEraE fr9@
gam-. Dispatched at q o'el5eE. .a
wg.rs fs- eerrrspeadsur tells OF tsr
Ertsr enthusiasm manifested D. tae trl-
ras-s Wtrn parils@Fnt resfssmt.et
aat .s- arraf-F presented tsT war b5lL
Nsmrs May no. svta pasis. 5tsT z1J
-fa..ss plans of prgmiasat Deputies
msesrFT fae Only speaker az the So
assaa er che ehamher togorFou aft-r
Uit rsalHsgsieatfoa frsaa ths govern
meme .s received. VIII be siEu9r Bar
Haa Feugalfean teputFs Who Wtf
brsf t.r re- ubrratian 81 rs.rst. tts
sars- ..rr fr1e Nustrtsa r,st-.
Vas .-srr-t to-day tnss ere raar-
e.t Hf ministers af EEe era59aErG srs-
Sion asc s ssF unanimously -rl-es-,+
e.rTrsrs EaHF proposals ea.t- eF Aus
uIf r.H aFslsaffas fhe neE9fHtflest re-
ffr Es- e-ssIea 6f TERRITORY tt Gel
believed fs efgriat circles kere EhsF
ues- proposals. were proessf-t ~
ignorance a Etrras aaf Grrlr OF ere
grf-rT .ssr.ar sf tsr lsfsE. ea5tsrF aaf
esFafa-eE E5 6bFsfa all rs7 territory
f-maad-J bY tstiT.
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sf0fsf-r s6safra were
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praTae- Of TREAT .psrt at tsr Aus
f3fa rFrsu Fee8rItlsE fs ere ffeat of
Wr sseisH 9f tfsiT la tstt-
sreeHf Casters rrtsrll eees srris-
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efsaf. eerffs. UsnfsfFsnr Corsres
taf gs rsF sagfh ss NsBrrs-es.
rHHt rri-sg. Cspo Etsfrts sat
fFta1 ..se last fw1 is tsfrtsl t9 tofps
sew ttttr Independents fras Asstres.
ragFta='rbe tttsaGs q cerseis.
tisst trsIaa. LaEastE- cazza ast
Nr.rIt cor ta- coast ef lower ual-
as1tI fs be- er.te5 ts tsalv-
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ef Bee interests ra Nlnaats. aetaawl-
sisuE tlsitsa eoVerefEaf2 over Az
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Prisoners % NJ Frssd
NHE victor tmmaaaet. ls ts assert
e't gts gecfie5 ta grant a Esaerat ear-
fos 1s ttt railway employees wh9 were
auats1s.t becaase sf tes part thsv soos
m ue striss ss NAV. t9tf IRIS srtioe
~ sstt s5 be destsned ss seofhrr stsp
t' BRING ssouf a closer aeieu % al
paffles .s Eae eeuatrvs
Reports received frers every eni-
eersrtv ls ttaty are tsas sss sea,fsrss
ef sses WI vetsatevr m q body uf var
is Declared
Dispatches fran1 Versss say mas
tsl sss whose bomes are ie NuseFts
tat trtlv are pouriaF across tss fruess
Der sv taogsasGs every GsF esgaass
gog are fsarfat ef repFfssts ta tes
evset q Eesttiittss.
IRE sasesrfsies ss Gssssa esve ees1
erierrd ts tsss q close Wssee ee tss
esrusa stsansers Eassras,4 az tsss
ports "a m ~ believed seefs eapes5ss
aasr stssmst Co escape Or 60 Blew 80
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The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
a parting Gilbert Bye held Junes hand be-
Al tween both his and patted II gently, his
black eyes glowing down at her. and he
WAS smiling upon her with that suave smile
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28

Far away in the night Henri was speeding north
ward. Every now and then he turned to look back
and laugh, where Jens Jansen sat stoldly puffng
his pipe, one immense hand constantly on the arm
or the knee Of Ned Warner.
"voaw cried Henri In high glee as the sharp
night wind cut past his face.
WELL" grunted Jens In huge content.
June put herself into the hands of the agitated
Marie very thoughtfuy after the visitors had gone.
what Is the matter, Mare7" Junes tone was
quite solcitous. She became suddenly aware that
Marie had been In such state Of nervous excite
ment as she had never exhibited before.
Nothing, Miss JUNE; nothing at ALL I'm afraid
of burgiars!"
why Marie, come herew Marie came slowly
over, nervously kneading some knotted pink thing
in her hands "Your eyes are feverish. You must
go to bed, Marie Wait Bring me my medicine
case and glass OF water
Meekiy Marie took what June gave her, but later
she dashed down the stairs and streaked across to
the garage. Empty!
At that moment Ned Warner, his hands and feet
still bound and his mouth still gagged, was being
gleefuy deposited In a deserted woodcutters shed
in the middle Of 4 vast, bleak grove. Through the
trees the moonlight glinted distant water, and
the shadows Of the trees lay in fantastic twisted
patterns on the hillside.
Dawn. The red glow Of the sunrise. altering
through the mist OF the morning. stole in at the
open door OF the Willard garage and found Marie.
with her fists folded under her and the tip OF
her frosty In her elbow, loudly snoring.
She limped over to the house, plodded up to her
room, dressed herself with numb fingers and after
half an hour Of dull eyed thought scrawled this
note which she laid Junes bed
Dear Miss Junis-I am feeling better. thank you. |
hope you will excuse me IL take few hours of.
will be back for lunch. Hoping you are the same re-
MAN, yours ansctionately. MARIE
She tiptoed out and hurried down the hill to the
station, where she caught the frst commuters train
Arriving at the city. she sought Onicer Dowd and
prevailed on him to phone Neds friends and Junes
parents that Ned had been kidnapped.
June In 4 pretty little morning robe was busy
among the flowers In Mrs Wizards boudoir window
conservatory and singing softly when she heard n
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28
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footstep behind her Turning. she saw Willard tow
ering above her. his hands in the pockets Of his
ioungins robe. and he was grinning.
OH exclaimed June. startled Good morning"
observed Willard Well friend wife has excellent
taste"
June moved away.
Don't be In 4 hurry" be chuckied I'VE must
get acquainted" and. suddenly reaching forward
he put his hand under her chin and turned up her
face. She jerked away. but be closed the door
toward which she darted and. gathering her in his
long arms, crushed her to him. raining kiss after
kiss upon her suddenly cold cheek his light gray
eyes naming June's struggles were futile and her
shrteks mufied, but one pair Of ears heard. There
crash Of glass. the hash Of a long, 1.-THE white
and brown body through the room. and then. with
an OATH Willard released his hold on the fainting
girl. Bouncer! He had sunk bis teeth into Vii.
fury.
The man turned pale with fear. kicking and strk-
ing at the enragea animal
<'Bouncerr'
That CRY from June saved WIZARDS life. for the
dog. with 4 yeip OF toy. was springng for his
still, motioness. The mans hand moved nervously.
The collie moved precisely that same amount VIII
lard did not twitcK muscle from that time on.
cept to speak
"Can OF the dogw he ordered
Watch him. Bouncer" said June quietly.
June rose from the chair into which she had limp
ly sunk. but cold anger had come to replace her
weakness She walked from the room and going
to the house phone In the hail. called to the kitchen
HAS Mrs. Willard returned!" she inquired OF the
maid who answered
Not yet"
do you know where to reach herr
ANY one down At the cottages will hunt her mp
and Gtve her your message"
Ask her to como home Immediately please Tell
her 1t u quite important"
She walked hack to the boudoir and glanced In at
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28
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where Is Mr. NedY' screamed Marie.
Name of the good Lordr' groaned Henri. ne
watching the day perhaps. Such headaches" Ana
Henri pressed his humping brow.
where is JensT'
Vanished wake up. Jens In no more. He has
had a fight they say. He has been licked. they say
The enormous ruffian who Is strong enough to boz
my friend Jens has stolen the machine Here 1t H.
VOLTA! Jens must have returned"
Where is Mr. Ned?" she demanded.
TN the woods" Henri waved his arms compre-
hensvely.
Not tiedr
"As you saw him. Mile. Marie" And once more
Henri able to laugh. He blew kiss to the
sky ut was well executed, mademosee. II was
Henri. myself. who
"you take right out there" she ordered.
Bravo he approved ut Is another GOOD enter
prise! | have enthusiasmF'
Then don't talk about it?' snapped Marie, and
lightly as cat Henri climbed over his spare tires.
pumped into the seat beside Marie. and away they
sped.
At 715 that night Robbie and Iris Biethering. tina
latter June Warmers bosomest OF bosom friends,
stroled into the Cafe New York Suddenly Iris
grabbed Bobbe by the arm, and he turned to her
in surprise, Iris for the first time In her life was
speechess, and her face pale, but she could
look She was staring at table In the corner.
There sat the runaway bride laughing and chatting
happily with vivacious brunette. pleasant faced
lady of mature years, a dark, handsome man with
n black Vandvke. pink faced. white m,istAched
who bore all the evidences or Don vivant ana
a heavy round headed man with thick eyeiidsl
Her moment of paralysis past, the hearty Iris
made a straight dive for Junes table, and 1t was
Boobies turn to clutch her by the arm.
Look here" he whispered in her while he
held her what can we do? We intsrfered oacs
and mussed 1t all up. Now. the right thing to Dc
is to telephone Ned"
Iris Blethering regarded her husband with dawn
Ing appreciation. 1t the first time he bad ever
thought faster than she, md she was proud sf him
for It.
"I1 sit right behind this post and watch thAt ta.
bler' Iris promptly decided You telephone, And
hurry up. But do wish had 4 good place to cry!'
and, suppressing the tendency of her bosom 70
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28

Germ. but she stared at June her brows knotted
and a fush crept into her Observation-Disclosures Is
the matterf" she faltered.
June was already halfway up the stairs. She
turned. Mrs. Willard. without word. followed her
Side by side the two women stood looking at the
man and the dog. Mrs. Willard needed no expana-
ton to tell her what had happened For the first
time In her married life she gave way to anger.
"You beastw she cried, her cheeks scarlet and
her eyes flashing This Is the last! | warned you
to leave this girl alone! Il hate You! could see
you torn to shreds! Go on. Bouncer"
The collie crouched at Junes feet
The man rose cautiously.
'You forget" husked the man. I'VE have bar
gainw
Mrs. Willard lowered her eyes for moment
ut Is broken" she suddenly Jared You have
paid me well, and have served you well! But we
were not to interfere with each others life! You
have interfered with mine! | am through
She stripped her hands OF her rings and threw
them at him She swept from the room. followed
by June and Bouncer. They heard the man tee-
phoning for his at a nearby garage, and while
Mrs. Willard still packing her clothing her hus-
band came along the hall He stopped at the door.
Il don't think you will find that your new line of
work will pay you well as being my Wife. the
man snared
Mrs. Willard sprang to the door and closed IL In
his face. and Willard laughed mockiDgly
HE Is 4 beast" said Mrs Willard and sat down,
as il she wished to say something more. There was
the sound of heels at the door. Mrs. Willard sud
denly buried her face in her hands and cried.
June left her sobbing and went to pack her own
apparel.
Money, Again June face to face with snoth-
angle OF that eternal problem. which, 1t seemed
to her, had complicated the entire relationship OF
men and women, Mrs. Willard had plainly and pal
pably sold herself. and the price is never great
enough for any woman who has done that Always
in Junes rapidly widening observation the man gave
and the woman received. and her very dependence
made the question of matrimony one Of essential
barter and sale. 1t was wrong, 1t destroyed the
very source and fount Of love. Was there no rem
edy? June, shaken though she by her painful
experience Of the morning. was strengthened In her
own resolve. The answer to the problem was indie
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28

heave. she dashed away q ready tear and pumped
into chair behind the post
Ned was at homo when Bobbie called. He was
ready to start any journey In search Of June
and Gilbert bye! When he arrived 1T the cate he
found Iris and Bobbie Blethering In state sf Qu1v.
ern2 excitement
You're Just in timer gasped Iris
They're leaving. said Bobbie
All the pentup murder which had seethed In Ned
Warmers heart for days famed into his eyes Is.
with oath he started for the table.
stop him. Bobbie! Stop. hint! suddenly cried
Iris Bethering and, jumping In front Of Ned she
threw her arms about his neck and hung her weight
upon him, while Bobbe, also frightened BY the ter
progress the other side.
Ned had turned to shake OF his clogying friends
when June drawn by some intangible force. wheel
ed slowly and looked In that direction.
"Ned' she cried.
Both Cunningham and Blye paled a. they saw
that movement and what had caused T. Al BY a
simultaneous impulse they took her BY the arms,
each side, and turned her toward the corner
entrance near which they had sat
Il won't go.' she declared and tried to hang back
but they forced her out of the door.
Ned Warner June's piteous face she half
turned it to look back. her being kidnapped from
under his very eyes. and bursting through the group
which impeded him. he made dash among the t.
bIes and across the restaurant
Too late! He reached the corner entrance only In
time to see Blyes luxurious limousine whirl away
up the street June frantically determined that
she would not go where they king her. Mrs
Willard was pale and panic stricken but tho other
three carried out their pretense of laughing coer-
cion On the front seat with Scatti. Blye's wide
featured Italian chauffeur. sat T. J. Edwards, the
round headed. heavy man, and his thick lidded eyes
peered constantly back through the glass and thsro
was 1rm set to his thick lips.
There was no one at the lonely dock upon which
the swiftly speeding Limousine stopped abruptly no
one to hear or heed the call for help which June
tried to send up above the noisy laughter Of I've Of
her companions. for now Edwards and Scatti Joined
loudly In the hiiarity.
There was 4 cold. stern voice IN Junss ear
We've had quite enough Of this hystsria. Yours
going along." II was the voice Of Giibeft bye.
1t was be who. with Grin Cunninghan, foecea Aer
from lonely dock into the motosboat which hy
alongside. and IN another moment al exetpt eeatti
speeding swiftly away toward the lons Iew
yacht which lay midway Of the misty rvari
tro m CONTINUED
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28

their captive whom they had deposited in a corner
ON a bench. The gardeners one word was ques-
ton, exclamation Of relief and an expression OF
complete and thorough bewilderment He was
broad Swede and his arms hung crooked with
muscles.
IT know nothing" laughed the wiry little chauf-
feur He was a Frenchman with an infinitesimal
mustache and quick eye and a childke Joy in
everything. THE maid Of the charming mademoi-
see telephones from the pantry to the garage that
there is a near the hedge who must not come
near mademoiselle. who must not speak, to whom
nothing must be said, and all must be prompt! Vol
la l am Henri, and all Of action. l call my friend
Jens." And he tapped the huge swede approvingy
the chest II bring my friend Jens swiftly by
the force of my enthusiasm. We glide through
the bushes so. like snake. No"' He laughed and
smote his friend Jens on the wide chest. Like
snake and a bull. We creep up behind the inter-
loper. We pounce upon him so, like a cat. MOL
Like a cat and hippopotamus. We bear him to
the earth. Mademosee trips lightly from her car
a vision. dream, a ravishmentF And be waited
kiss to the general abstract OF beauty THE charm
ing mademosele is safe. The interioper is here
voilaw
Wide Jens reached his hand into his pocket for
pipe and glanced over to where Ned sat quietly in
the corner.
"weIlr he said.
walt" replied Henri. al shall sit here piacidiy
I shall smoke cigarettes perhaps two shall
think"
Ned Warner stirred mpatienty. He gave another
tug at the ropes which bound his wrist but 1t
only Involuntary test He must rest before he
made another determined attempt TO free himself.
He gave sudden wrench at his bonds struggling
so hercely to loosen them that he rose and reeled
toward the door
Huge Jens Jansen stopped Ned from falling
The chauffeur laughed, and. springing from his
seat In the touring ar. he jumped up. cracked his
heels together and snapped the fingers of both
hands. II have the grand plan TO dispose Of
friend the interoper! We shall teach him ride OF
joy!' He pointed to
Jens Jansen stopped and circed one arm around
Ned Warmers middle and deposited his violent load
In the tonneau.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28

pendence even though she suffered In the attain
ment OF It, though Ned suffered Their love
would be all the stronger for 1t, and it would be
pure always
Could she have seen Ned at that moment all her
theories and all her deductions would have taken
swift fight, and she would have hathed with her
tears the swollen wrist which he had just freed
from the rough rope that had bound It.
Slowly and with infinite pain Ned finally freed his
hands They were quivering as. with mighty eff
fort. be raised them TO the back OF his head and
fumbled with the knot which held his gag In
place. II seemed ages before he able to remove
that tight bandage. He removed the tight thongs
from around his ankles He limped awkwardly for
half a mile, bent and stopped like an old man. but
exercise restored him, and by the time he found
road he his vigorous self again and full of the
logged determination which had led him SO far in
the pursuit of his runaway bride.
Down the highway mile he found
obscure roadhouse. and he strobe In at the saloon
door
While ordering "bracer'' for his shattered nerves
he saw his two captors sitting at table. He
rushed madly at them and knocked them both to
the door. Dashing out OF the place. he saw their
auto He jumped in, pressed the starting button
and sped away.
The house of Mrs. Willard was closed and locked
when Ned arrived there at o'clock in the after.
noon.
In the meantime June and Mrs Willard and
Bouncer snugly ensconced In pleasant hotel
downtown and before her at the writing table Mrs.
Willard held open u bank book Its figures repre-
scented the price she had received for the sale OF
her ten best years and she had spent hour in
the debate OF whether to give up her earnings.
June had been taken into that debate but she had
been able to offer argument on either side She
had realized ut last great and saddenng truth
that every woman's problem must be for herself
alone.
Marie meantime with Officer Dowd as interpreter,
had telephoned everywhere for news Of Ned War
ner. but without result then In despair she tele-
phoned the Willard house to excuse her absence to
June That number did not answer after repeated
trials Marie. more frantic now than aud feel
ing sure that she about to lose her mind hur-
red straight down to the station and took train
to the Willard place, 1t was closed, locked.
Just Marie was bordering this remarkable
circumstance there came trudging down the drive
q natty little figure. It's limbs neatly lncased In
leather leggings its cap pushed the back Of its
head. but it's tny little musiache all fuzzy. It
Henri. and in his eyes great WEAKNESS.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28

the drive, The let himself In with 4 iatchkey
and. with his hands in his pockets. strolled noncha
hnty into the paror
Mrs Willard. talking with Gilbert Blye and Tom
my Thomas, turned, and she the newcomer
her eyes wdened mperceptiby and look OF con-
Germ flashed down across her gentle countenance.
well, Bert, you're a surprise, she said,
That's my best trick" he drawled. kissing MrA
Willard perfunctory. Hello Tommy! Howdy do.
Blyef'
Willard was impressed as his eyes fell upon the
fresh beauty of June.
Mr. Willard, Mrs. Warner" The introduction was
very cold. and again that concern hckered for
moment Mrs Wizards face as she saw her hus-
bands eager interest My companion" she added.
and Cunningham and Tommy Thomas. glancing at
each other, smiled
With a careless nod to Cunningham. Willard walk
ed over.to June and, taking her hand held 1t while
he smiled down at her with such obvious admiration
that the helpless bound and gagged man beyond the
library window iurched free from his captors and
tugged at his bonds until they almost cut into his
wrists
Marie came back from the corner and motioned
The chauffeur and the gardener followed with the
husband of the beautiful young GIRL who then
smiling her responses to the dissoute Bert
Willard. Marie sped quickly across the shadowy
back lawn to the garage and opened the door
Hes not to talk and he's not TO come near the
house." she whispered the men passed her with
their burden. She caught Ned's indignant eyes fixed
on her and that glare threw her into a panic.
whatever you do don't hurt him. she hastily add
ed. Don't hurt hmr
Outside the door Marie paused. Her eyes were
distended until they perfectly round. and her
high cheek bones cleaned white She put the
knuckles of her right hand against her teeth and
looked over at the garage. She pulled at the Lobe
Of her ear with her left hand and looked in the
house. She started back. and she started forward.
and she turned around In half circle. She
well nigh distracted with the weight Of her great
secret was Marie. If she told Miss JUNE that Mr.
Ned was In the garage there'd be an end of every
thing and maybe II would be all for the best. or
Miss Junie might run away again from such COM
Portable surroundings. and II would be all for the
worse Marie sat down and pulled her thumb: then
she jumped up and pulled the other thumb. The
plano began succession Of silvery notes June and
over her bent the Unfortunately tall Willard
"Well!" said the gardener In the dimness Of the
garage and he brushed his arms II all the
rest thew needed He turned ponderously toward
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-28

AT parting Gilbert Blye held June's hand be-
~ tween both his and patted II gently, his
- black eyes glowing down at her. and he
smiling upon her with that suave smile
which she had come trust.
Tomorrow night ut dinner he said, lowering his
voice the slightest particle as II the remark were
addressed in confidence to her. though the others
crowded eagerly round.
There an instant Of hesitation.
Then aboard the yacht.' exclaimed Tommy
Thomas. She was looking at June her deep red
lips parted In smile. June's cheeks paled. After
all. a. Mrs. yiard's companion ii her duty to
so this trip.
shall we take Bouneer?" suggested the pleasant
ly moduated voice OF Blye
"Of course Bouncer shall go: June declared, and
this time the handsome collie, on his feet Ia an In
slant. wagged his tail vigorously that his hind
feet slid
There was instant qualification In the faces sur
rounding June.
You'll have the time of your life" Orin Cunning
ham eagerly assured her. and three heads turned in
stantly In his direction-Blyes. Mrs. Wizards and
Tommy Thomas. They all glared at him. and when
June glanced In bis direction the twinkle was gone
from his eyes a0d he seemed somewhat uncom-
Portable.
II think I'll join the party. GIL" II Bert VII
lard. looming above all OF them, and his restless
gaze roved down the beautiful contour Of Junes
cheeks.
Bye glanced swiftly at Mrs Willard Her brows
were contracted and she was biting her lips but
after q struggle OF an instant she imperceptbly
nodded.
II think we can make room for you." Blye politely
agreed.
Thanks old man." and bidding good night to the
Others he loafed away.
Bye at the door took Junes hand again and bent
over it quite low. but he did not kiss it Strange.
There was feeling upon her hand as II his lips
had been pressed there