The Morgan County press. (Wartburg, Tenn.) 1916-1926, 1917-04-26

| CTuCl 10 SOurSelI, GEAR nearC.
81 think" she announced, "we'd bet
ter go in"
She rose without assistance, moved
away toward the house, paused and
returned.
Hugh" she said gently, with a
quaver In her voice that wounded his
conceit in himself; for he was sure
it spelled laughter at his expense and
well-merited-"Hu you big sulky
| boy! get up this instant and come
| back to the house with me- You know
Pm timid. Aren't you ashamed of
yOurself?"
81 suppose So" he grumbled, rising.
II presume it's childish to want the
moon-and sulk when you find you
can't have it,"
COR starT'
He made no reply; but his very
silence was eloquent. They entered
the kitchen.
"Something'll have to be done: If
they won't help us, Wen have to help
ourselves"
Hugh" There was alarm In her
tone. He looked up quickly. Hugh,
what are you thinking Off"
"Oh-nothing. But I've got to think
of something"
She came nearer, intuItlvely alarmed
and pleading. Hugh, you wouldn't
leave me here alone?"
Don't be afraid" he said evasively.
"Tll be here-as always-when you
wake up"
She disappeared; the light of her
lamp faded, pickering in Jhe draught
of the hall, stencilled the wall with
its evanescent caricature Of the bal
and was no longer visible.
"Hugh!" her voice rang from the
upper floor.
He started violently out of deep alb
straction and replied inquiringly.
"You won't forget to lock the door7" |
He swore violently beneath his
breath; controlled his temper and re-
sponded pleasantly: Certainly not"
Then he shut the outside door with |
a convincing bang.
eff this be marriage .W He
smiled his twisted smile.
Leaving the kitchen light turned
ow, he went to his own room and,
As on the previous night, threw him
self upon the bed without undressing;
)ut this time with no thought Of sleep.
indeed, he had no expectation of clos
ng his eyes in slumber before the
lext night, at the earliest; he had
10 intention other than to attempt to
swim to the nearest land.
An hour dragged out its weary
ength, and the half of another. He
ose, with infinite precaution against
making any noise.
Slowly, on tiptoes, Whitaker stole
oward the door, out into the hall, took
single step on toward the kitchen;
nd then, piercing suddenly the abso-
ute stiffness within the house, a
'oard squealed like an animal be- {
cath his tread.
In an instant he heard the thud
nd patter of her footsteps above,
er loud, quickened breathing as she
eaned over the balustrade, looking |
own, and her cry of dismay: "Hugh !
Tugh!" '
He halted, saying in an even voice: f
Yes, it is l." She had always seen L
i'm; there was no use trying to get
way without her knowledge now; be- s
des. he was no sneak-thief to fly from e
cry. He burned with resentment, t
1natience and indignation. but he b
aited stolidly enough while the G
oman flew down the stairs to his a
de. s.
"Hugh," she demanded, whlte-faced II
I'd trembling. what is the matteri
here are you going" E
He moved his shoulders uneasily, ei
rcing a short laugh. 81 daresay d.
1--WE guessed It. Undoubtedly you CT
we. Elise why" He didn't finish in
We by a gesture Of resignation. b.
"You mean you were going-going lie
try to swim to the mainlandT' ii
II meant to try IT," he confessed. 10
81 should have knownl" she de-
lred passionately. Il was asleep, but ID
knew the instant you stirred" W
1T must be DONE" he muttered. te
lease" w
But II must not be donel Hugh 7" W,
T voice assembled. IL can't let w
!. won't let you'll You TIN 70
your death-yOu1l drown. I shall 10:
Re let you go to your death" Gu
Oh. now. really" he protested. of