Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-10-02

not hopeless yet l think I can see a
means of Strengthening. out this tangle."
"Oh. IL We only could!" sobbed Pru-
dence. Eye see, were very cruel TO him,
Mr.. Peteri"
Just a little, perhaps" said l. and.
while she dabbed at her pretty eyes with
her snowy apron, took pen and ink from
the shelf where l kept them, which, to-
gether with Georges letter, 1 set upon
the anvil. "Now," said l, in answer to
her questioning look, write down just
here below where George signed his name
what you told me a moment ago"
you mean. that l."
THAT you love him, yes"
"Oh, Mr.. Peter!'
prudence" said l. 1T is the only way.
so far as 1 can see, of saving George
from himself: and no sweet. pure maid
need be ashamed to tell her love, espe-
cially to such man as this, who wor-
ships the very ground that little shoe Of
yours has once pressed"
She glanced up at me, under her wet
lashes, as 1 said this. and a soft light
beamed in her eyes, and a smile hovered
upon her red lips.
"Do he--really, Mr.. Peter?"
Indeed. he does. Prudence, though
think you must know that without my
telling you" So she stopped above the
anvil, blushing a little. and signing a lit
tie. and crying little, and, with fingers
that trembled somewhat. to be sure.
wrote these four words:
George, / love you"
what now. Mr.. Peter?" she inquired.
seeing me begin to unbuckle my leather
apron.
Now" answered. II am going to look
for Black George"
"No!-no!" she cried, laying her hands
upon my arm. "no-nol II zee do meet
him he--he'u kill eel"
II don't think he WILL" said shaking
my head.
"oh. don't gol-don't gor' she pleaded.
shaking my arm In her eagerness; "he
be so strong and wild and quick-he'll
give zee no chance TO speak-'t will be
murderl"
Prudence" said !. my mind is set on
It. / am going-for your sake. for his
sake, and my own" saying which,
loosed her hands gently and took down
my coat from its peg.
Dear Godw she exclaimed, staring
down at the floor with wide eyes, ''if he
were 20 kill eel"
We'll, said /. my search would be
ended and 4 should be deal wiser In all
things than / am today"
and he-would be hangedP' said
Prudence, shuddering.
''Probably-poor fellow!" said l. At
/ this she glanced quickly up. and once
again the crimson dyed her cheeks.
"Oh, Mr.. Peter, forgive me! III were
| only thinkin' OF large. and"
And quite right too. Prudence"
nodded; 'he Is indeed worth any good
woman's thoughts; let It be your duty to
| think Of him. and for him, henceforth.' %
s'Waitg' said she. ''waitT' And turn
/ ing, she fed through the doorway and
| across the road. swift and graceful as
| anv bird, and presently was back again.
with something hidden IN her apron.
'.He be q strong man, and terrible In
| his wrath" said she. "and I-love him.
but-take this VT you. ana II it-must
| be-use Il, because do love him" Now.
| as she sad this. she drew from her apron
that same brass-bound pistol that had
served me 90 well against the ghost
ana thrust II into my hand. Take II. Mr..
| Peter-take II. but--ohf'-here a great
sob chicken her voice-"don't-don use
it-if-if you can help Il. for my sake"
sstVhy. Pruef" said 1. touching her
bowed head very tsnderiy, how can you
think would 80 UP against any friend
WITH death In my hand-H Heaven 'forbidi'
| 81 laid aside the weapon and. clappine
On my hat strede out into the glory q