The daily Alaskan., 1921-03-10
CHAPTER VIII.
The Fight.

young mind drank in the knowledge as a thirsty plant takes ln water.
 There were no signs of Uriah and Edith returning, and TOnnlbel grew daily more hopeless when she thought of her mother. Perhaps she would never see her again. She had strenu- ously refused to speak of her people to Paul Pendlehayen.
 Doctor John noticed as the days passed how much better his brother was looking, and no wonder his own heart warmed hourly to the curly headed waif who had come among them SD mysteriously.
 Unknown To either of the doctors, Mrs. Curtis and her daughter had heen able to keep Tony Devon from meet ing Philip NlcCau'cy in the house. At first John pendIchaven had insisted that Tony atteRd the family table, but both Paul and the girl decided that her meals should be served in tke sick room. Perhaps if Philip NacCauley hadn't been interested iu q certain llt- tie girl on canal boat, his curiosity would have taken him to Pauls apart mentS to make the acquaintance of the little companion John Pendlchayen had casually spoken of.
 Shes a wonder Phil" he said one evening, For the first time I've hopes of PauIs recovery"
 Good" replied Philip, and immedi- utely fell into a reyery.
 
 Tonrihel had reached the canal boat and had changed to her old clothes when suddenly she heard footsteps on the path beside the HOghole. Her heart almost Ivapt out of her mouth. Perhaps her mother was coming home, perhaps her father. Tremblingly she peeDcd out through the aperture She drew back instantly. Reginald Brown was approaching the canal boat. She heard him cross the deck, and then the rootStanS ceased. She hoped with all her might and main that he wouldn't think or coming downstairs.
 But that was exactly what he did do. shc crouchod up against the bunk. as the hoy stepped into the cab in. WU"u he saw her slow grin spread oyer ii: tain face.
 "So you're here" he got out thick Iy. "Wncre have you been? I've vis- itrd rh.S place three times in that many weeks. Where have you been, say:"
 "Go away" she said, half frightened to death. You'd better get out Of here before my mother comes back. She'll beat you with the broom"
 I'm not afraid of your father or mother" he said tauutiugIy. "I know where they are"
 The words sent Touuibel forward step.
 Honesty she gaspcd. 'Is it honest what you Say:"
 "CertaluIy," replied the young man, "aud they told me to come here and ger you"
 "Where are they?" She had come very neaT him now, her eyes gazing at him wiSrfulIy. "pleuse tell me where my mummy is"
 Never mind just now," said he, his eyes taking in her slight young figure passiouutcIy. Here, I want to kiss you"
 He dragged her forward until her slender, Quiycring body was pressed against his. He had said he intended to kiss her. All the rebellion of a primitive uneducatcd nature sprang into life within Tony Devon. The curly head durrcd upward for mo- ment, and the gray eyes blazed into the muddy blue ones, leeriug down upon her. Then, knowing no other way to protect herself from desccra- tion, she set her sharp white teeth into Reggie'S hand, sinking them deep beneath his skin. A cry of hurt rage escaped his lips, and he flung her from him.
 You little vixen" he got out shak- ing his hand in panic. You little wicked brat! There! Now I'll teach you to bite me again"
 He Sprang at her, and Tony screamed twice with all her lung power. Then something happenedl Someone graSped hold of the man who had Snatched her into his arms, and for what seemed an interminable time two forms struggled together in the small cabin. For a few seconds Tony didn't realize who Reggie's aS- saiant was; then with grip at her heart she recognized Philips white face as with terrible strength he dragged Reggie up the steps.
 Into her terrified eyes came one strange flashing smile of welcome. Her salvation man had saved her, and as every woman does in cases where her need is great, she cried out her thanksgiving in his name, that best beloved name of Philip. By this time the two men were struggling on the deck, and as if impelIcd by some un- known force Tony staggered up the steps.