The Benson signal., 1917-09-15
of what happened with Gale on Music

II wish to God you and l were on
Music mountain again! I never lived
or did anything worth living for, till
you came to me that day on Music
mountain. It's true was thinking Of
what happened when I spoke-but not
to remind you you owed anything to
me. You don't; get that out of your
head"
81 do, though"
81 spoke in the way did because I
wanted to remind you of what might
happen some time when I'm not near"
81 shan't be caught off my guard
again. I know how to defend myself
from a drunken man."
He could not restrain all the bitter
ness he felt. ''That man." he said de-
liberately, "is more dangerous sober
than drunk"
"When' I can't defend myself, my
uncle will defend me.'
"ASk him to let me help"
"He doesn't need any help. And he
would never ask you, if he did. I can't
live at home and know you; that Is
why ask you not to come again"
He was silent. "Don't you think,
all things considered"-she hesitated,
as If not knowing how easiest to put
it-"you ought to be willing to shake
hands and say good-by?'
"Why, if you wish it," he answered,
taken aback. And he added more qui-
city, "Yes, if you say So"
81 mean for good"
"I-" he returned, pausing, don't"
"You are not willing to be fair"
81 want to be fair-I don't want to
promise more than human nature will
stand for-and then break my word"
II am not asking whole lot"
mot whole lot to you, l know.
But do you really mean that you don't
want me ever to speak to you again?''
eff you must put it that way-yes." )"
"Well"-he took q long breath
"there is one way to make sure of that.
I'll tell you honestly don't want to
stand in the way of such a wish, if
it's really yours. AS you have said, it
isn't fair, perhaps, for me to go against
it. Got your pistol with you, Nan?"
"NO."
''That is the way you take care Of
yourself, is it?"
'I'm not afraid of you"
"You ought to be ashamed of your
sole fn hn IND Hnrr't
know whom you'll meet before you can
lock the front door again. You prom
iSed me never to go out without it..
Promise me that once more, will your"
She did as he asked her. snow, give
me your hand, please" he went on.
"Take hold Of this"
"What IS it?"
"The butt of my revolver. Don't be
afraid" She heard the slight click of
the hammer with a thrill of strange ap-
prehension. "What are you doing?"
she demanded hurriedly.
"Put your finger on the trigger-so.
It is cooked. Now pull"
She caught her breath. "What do
you mean?"
He was holding the gun in his two
hands, his fingers overlapping hers, the
muzzle at the breast of his jacket.
Pull" he repeated, 'that's all you
have to do: I'm steadying it,
She snatched back her hand. "What
do you mean?" she cried. "For me to
kill you? Shame!"
"You are too excited-all I asked
you was to take the trouble to crook
your finger-and I'll never speak to
you again-you'll have your wish for
ever."'
"Shame!"
"Why shame?" he retorted. 'T mean
what / say. If you meant what you
said, why don't you put it out of my
power ever to speak to you? Do you
want me to pull the trigger?"
''I told you once I'm not an assas-
sin-how dare you ask me to do such
thing?" she cried furiously.
"Call y,ur uncle" he suggested
coolly. "You may hold this meantime
so you'll know he's in no danger. Take
my gun and call your uncle"
"Shame on you!"
"Call Gale-call any man in the gap
they'll jump at the chance"
"You are a cold-blooded, brutal
wretch-I'm sorry ever helped you
I'm sorry I ever let you help me-Tm
sorry ever saw you"
She sprang away before he could
interpose a word. He stood stunned
by the suddenness Of her outburst, try
ing to listen and to breathe at the
same time. He heard the front door
close, and stood waiting. But no fur
ther sound from the house greeted his
ears.
"And I thought" he muttered to
himself, "that might calm her down
little. I'm certainly in wrong, uow."