Williams news., 1916-01-13

In her cool, white drill, her wide, white pith helmet, she presented a charming picture. The exercise had given her cheeks a 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 I 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 a man."
 "He is looking out for his commis- 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 I 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 Martha shut her lips grimly. Her worry was not confined to this particu- lar phase of Elsa's imperious moods; it was general. There was that blond man with the parrot. She would never feel at ease until they were out of Yokohama, homeward bound.
 q feel like child this morning." said Elsa. "I 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 us. Shall we go into this shop?"
 "No, thank you! There is no reason simply to avoid meeting the man. We'll walk straight past him. If he speaks we'll ignore him."
 T wish we were in a civilized coun- try"
 This man is supposed to be civi- 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?"
 T remember an insolent cad" re- piled Elsa, her eyes beginning to burn dangerously. Will you stand aside?"
 He threw a swift glance about. He saw with satisfaction that none but fiuoc woe m avidanoo
 Elsa's glance roved, too, with a little chill of despair. In stories Warrington would have appeared about this time and soundly trounced this impudent scoundrel. She realized that she must settle this affair alone. She was not soldiers daughter for nothing.
 Stand aside!"
 "Hoity-toity!" he laughed He had been drinking liberally and was a shade reckless. Why not be good fellow? Over here nobody minds know a neat little restaurant. Bring the old lady along" with genial nod toward the quaking Martha.
 Resolutely Elsa's hand went up to her helmet, and with flourish drew out one of the long steel pins
 "Oh, Elsa!" warned Martha.
 Be still! This fellow needs les son. Once more, MT. Craig, will you stand aside?"
 Had he been sober he would have seen the real danger in the young woman's eyes.
 "Cruel!" he said At least, one kiss" putting out his arms.
 Elsa, merciless in her fury, plunged the pin into his wrist. It stung like hornet, and, with a gasp of pain, Craig 'leaped back out of range, sobered
 Why, you she-cat!" 4
 a'1 warned you" she replied, her voice steady and low. "The second stab will be serious. Stand aside"
 He stepped into the gutter, biting his lips and straining his uninjured hand over the hurting throb in his wrist. He had had wide experience with women. His advantage had al- ways been in the fact that the general run of them will submit to insult rather than create scene. This dark eyed Judith was distinctly an excep- ton to the rule. Cad! She might have missed his wrist and jabbed him in the throat. He swore. and walked off down the street.
 Elsa set pace which Martha with her wabbling knees. found difficult to maintain.
 You might have killed him." she cried breathlessly.
 You cant kill that kind of a snake with hatpin; you have to stamp on its head But I rather believe it will be some time before MT. Craig will again make the mistake of insulting a woman because she appears to be defenseless." Elsa's chin was in the air The choking sensation in her throat began to sabside. You know and the purser knows what happened on the boat to Mandalay. He was plausible and affable and good look l ing and the mistake was mine I