The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1916-03-30
CHAPTER XIV
KIsMET!

CHAPTER XIV.
KISMET!
Words n paint the nauseating
horror of that moment. Fear-cold alb
lect, awful fear-ran through my veins
like a drug; my face was clammy with
the sweat of utter terror; my hands
clutched wildly at some drapery, which
tore from its fastenings and came down
in my GRASP.
Three shafts of lights swept across
the floor, and almost at once picked UP
that horrid shape. 1t was coiled, with
head raised, ready to strike, and I saw
that one side of its hood had been shot
away.
l have, more than once, referred to
Simmonds as hard headed and want
ing in imagination-not always, / fear,
IN terms the most respectful. For that
l ask his pardon; 1 shall not make that
mistake again. For, in that nerve
racklng moment, he never lost his
GOODNESS. Revolver in hand, he crept
cautiously forward, while we others
held our breath; then the pistol spoke.
once, twice, thrice, and the ugly head
fell orwar to the floor.
AT the same moment, Godfrey sprang
to the door from which volumes of
heavy, scented smoke still eddied, and
disappeared inside.
| scarcely noticed him; I was star
ing at that foul object on the floor;
and then l stared at Francisco Silva.
motionless on the divan, his eyes fixed
on the crystal sphere, undisturbed amid
all this terror and tumult. 1t is i'm
possible for me to remember him, rs
he WIS in that moment. without ad-
~mlfation-yes. and a little awe.
Blu Godfrey'S voice, shrill with ex-
element, brought me around with a
start.
"Lester!" he shouted. Lend a hand
heIe''
Wondering what new horror lay IN
wait, i fought my way into the other
J room, stumbled over the body of the
Thug, larelY saved myself, my scalp
p!ickltng with terror, from falling upon
ii. and pitched forward to where God
frey was bending above that huddled
shape | had slimpsed through the
smoke.
Catch hold!" he painted; and, chok-
it into the outer rOom. Get a window
open." he gaspe1. Get a window
open!"
Ana simmonds, whom nothing
seemed to shake, CROPPED along the wall
until he Gun Q window, pulled the
hangings back, threw up the sash. and
flung back the shutters.
Quick" said Godfrey. over there.
Now hold the torch"
And as ! took it and pressed the
button with a trembling finger, the
hale of light fell upon a bloodless face
f; the face of Marjorie Vaughan.
Sinlmonds was supporting her, and
Godfrey. with frantic fingers, was loos-
ening her robe at the throat. My ter
rified eyes. staring at tina. throat, half
expected TO find a cruel mark there,
but its smoothness was unsullied. The
robe loosened, Godfrey snatched his
cap from his head and began to fan
the fresh air in upon her.
"PraV heaven if iS NOT too ]ateIn he
murmured, and kept on tanning, watch
inc the white lips and delicate nos
trils, SO drawn and livid. W. must
try artificial respiration" he said, aft
m~osphere is sitting. Take her feet,
Lester
We staggered out with her, some
how, across the hall, INTO her room,
and laid her on her bed Godfrey,
kneeling above her, began to raise and
rhythm.
open the windows wide" he com
manded. without looking up. wet a
towel. or something, in cold water, and
, bring it here
Simmonds threw open the windows
while / went mechanically to the bath
room, wet a towel, and slapped IL
against her face and neck as Godfrey
directed. The moments passed, and al
last the lips opened in a Tutoring sigh
llle DoSoIl IoSc Wlll d lull luIdidllDI
and a spot of color crept into either
cheek.
$ "Thank God!" said Godfrey, in 8
voice that was almost a sob. Now
SimmOndS, go out and bring that Irish
! girl, and send n Of your men tt
) phone for Human.
SimmondS sent one of his men sour.
rying with a word, and himself dashed
up the stairs to the other floor. He
l was back in a moment, almost drag.
J ging the frightened girl with him. Hel
teeth We're chattering and she started
I to scream when she saw that still form
E on the bed, but Simmonds shook he
V ~saVagely.
There's nothing to be afraid Of
Godfrey assured her. Your mistres!
$ isn't dead-shell soon come around
e But you must get her undressed and tt
bed. And then keep bathing her fac
with cold water until the doctor comes
I Understand"
"Ye-yes, sir" faltered the girl. "Bu
OH" and a burst of hysterical sob
bling choked her.
Simmonds shook her again.
e Don't be a fool, Annie Crogan!" h
s said. Get hold of yourseIf!"
Godfrey stepped off the bed AM
picked up one of the limp wrists.
Her pulse is getting stronger" h,
said. after a moment. TT will soon
helloi What's this?"
Clasped tight in the slender finger
was something that locke like a tori
n crumpled rubber glove. He triet
to unclasp the fingers. but when h
touched them. they contracted rigidly