The Daily Alaska empire., 1930-10-31
- BY- ROY VCKERS

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 second, she is to blame for every
 thing that followed. If a signalmar
 doesn't pull over his lever wher
 he should-there is disaster. If { sentry sleeps"
 Aren't those comparisons harc on her?"
 No"
 She knew that her voice hac sharpened. She longed to change the subject but feared to. , Perhaps I'm unduly mistrustful of Lester" he agreed with sigh. All the same, I shall talk it over with Lytton again when get the chance If Lester has married her, she has become a member of the family and-well-I ought to bury the hatchet Especially if-" he hesitated-"if the operation is suc- cessful."
 If it succeeds" said Hallie very low, shall you be able to forgive her?"
 "I-don't-know. She would never of course, be the kind of woman one could fundamentally respect; on the other hand, to go on bear ing a grudge would be useless. poisonous Rose-" She leaned closer against him. She could not for the moment trust her voice.
 T have something to ask of you i I suppose I must be the only man in the world who could still find something to ask, after all you've given me" Tell me"
 q shall have to go to the hos pital for the operation. Will you stick with me?"
 But SaXely, naturally I am go- i ing with youl Did you think"
 of course. But I'p asking more"
 T shall be in the place while they're operating. I shan't leave it till they've let me see you"
 He was silent. She looked at him pleadingly. Beneath the dark bandage his mouth was firm, but she felt that it was the firmness of man who refuses to be a cow ard.
 "Saxely, if there is anything anything that would help you-''
 He drew her down into his arms and she felt that they trembled. He was holding her fast. She was his shield and buckler against his crowding fears.
 Tell me-" she whispered again. Its this-I know it's simply nerves but-Rose, I'm afraid of the night after the operation! From what Downing said I understand that they have to be on the look out for swelling, and other symp- toms. He can't be with me all night any more than Lytton could that other time. I began to ask him for details and he dug me in the ribs and told me I should have good nights sleep and others would be responsible for my eyes. He held her so fiercely that she strangled cry. If they give me a sedative and leave me to a nurse I shall go out of my mind with fear" he said. "Oh, my dear, don't say it-don't think itl" she gasped. Because one woman failed you, it doesn't mean -
 Rose, will you stay with me?" ZIP"
 She tore herself free. She stood oyer him, her head thrown back She thought the thunder of her heart beats would kill her.
 T? You want-you are asking Its too much" he said. He put his hands up to his bandage and re-adjusted it. My darling, forget the whole thing" He rose but she had controlled her profound agitation. She wrench ed her face into a smile, to help happiness into her voice.
 "Saxely, you dearest fool, you can't think I'm refusing? Don't you realize it's the most wonderful thing anybody has ever said to me? It's so much more than a compliment" Her breath failed her suddenly and she had to recover it. "Of course I will stay beside you. From the moment you go to sleep until the moment you wake up. swear it-oh my love, swear it on my life"
 Her voice shook desperately and as he moved toward her. she caught his hands and laid her face down upon them.
 My beautiful, don't cryl" he be- sought her, as he felt her tears. "Rose-"
 One moment" she whispered.