The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1915-01-14


subject nearest both their hearts. Sud
denly the man seemed unable to stand
the strain longer, and she touched his
arm sympathetically, but he drew
away with little cry OF near pain.
Come with me to the crystal ball.
he cried, "and see the vision that has
haunted my eyes so long time. Come
with me to the crystal and see the face
that has made me forget my VOWS;
forget the one l love and fear; forget
everything save the desire for life that
may lay down to bring a smile to It,
Come with me, lady Of my heart"
Before the tempestuousness of his
voice Lucille followed his lead. Gone
from her was every thought Of imme-
date escape. She saw that the man
could not be handled easily; that she
than she could from the other minions
OF the spy without the use of craft,
and yet she felt curious sympathy
for him, pain that she must harm him.
Before the great crystal ball that
was set upon the tagging beside the
patio fountain, beside which stood the
monstrous, hoary, gray palm tree, he
halted, staring through the Sits Of his
mask into it's clear depths. She trem-
bled as she looked upon the flaming
eyes so close to the reflection Of her
own face. Suddenly he tore the mask
from him and tossed it to one side,
closing his arm fiercely about her waist
and drawing her soft cheek against his
sWarthy one. Together they stared
into the ball, his eyes luminous with
a wild love, hers moist with mingled
sympathy and fear Gently she olsen
tangled his fingers, surprised at the
numbness OF them, the ease with
which they responded to her will.
you must go back" he murmured
hoarsely. Il was mad to think of such
plan."
Il see face" she murmured softly.
her voice very low and far away Il
see face and scene that is different
from the one You see. l see Manila
home-loved ones-loved ones grieving
for girl they think is lost to them
forever. see q man, the handsomest
bravest, truest man in the world-the
man I love. He is disgraced. He is
heartbroken. He is giving up the
sword he loved. the sword he swore to
never lift save in defense Of his coun-
try's honor and the honor of woman.
He is giving up all that life holds dear
to him, just as he has long since been
bereft OF oil he cared to have from
Hre-because am imprisoned here.
And I do not care for anything ex-
cept his happiness. He Is my whole
world. l would sacrifice everything
for him and for his honor She turn
ed swiftly, her hands reaching toward
her neck and unfastening the ruby
necklace. Here, my friend, take this.
1t IS all have to give except my graft
tude. Take it and help me to the man
I love"
He took the necklace turning il idly
about In his hands, then hungrily lifted
his eyes to her face, as though inani-
mate beauty was thing Of no account
IN comparison. He took her arm again
and thoughtfuIly led her around de-
Flous paths to deep, sunken well. be-
fore which he paused, a curious smile
upon his lips.
1T is the wishing well,'" he MUIR
INJURED, 1.-THE wishing we'll before which
all who have looked into the crys-
tai ball and seen that their heart
most desires must kneel and make re-
quest. 1t is the legend; but, abr He
turned away to hide the swift contor-
ton OF jealousy and pain that sufrused
his face.
She knelt beside the well. almost
fearful OF the magic powers he ascrib- |
ed to it.
"oh, wishing we'll, let me but hold
In my hands the honor of my sweet
heart that may give it back to him!
Let me but serve his happiness and |
shall ask for nothing more Do with |
me as You desire, but grant my only |
WISH"
He touched her lightly upon the arm.
and she rose obediently, her eyes glow
Ing like jewels. Lightly he placed the
ruby necklace about her neck.
Zone look in your eyes, he said
softly, his mellow voice breaking un-
der the torment Of what he knew to be