The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1933-07-20
CHAPTER /

cIes poured In. They were swallowed
by purple rings. She was lost Vast
Railways opened. She was going into
q strange world. She was riding. She
was going somewhere.
You tainted. dearest. It's been too
much for you.'
She was burning hot. She was full
of something like fear. but II was
worse than fear. 1t famed and crack
led up as If she stood In the midst OF
fire. She gasped as II smoke choked
her N
Poor darling"
She kept her eyes closed. She felt
a motion of something under her. car
rylng her
"Open your eyes, dear.
But she did not. She did not want
to see the person who spoke TO her.
She knew she was in a vehicle OF some
kind. going somewhere.
Cautiously, she clutched at the seat
beneath her running her fingers over
cool leather. She half opened her
ewes. A taxicab. She was riding In
taxIcab She shivered and closed her
eyes again.
!. You're all right. sweet"
1t was a mans voice. She hated It.
She turned her head away from It's
presence. Beneath lifted lids she saw
the streets OF New York. A large firm
hand closed over hers
I'm afraid It's been a shock"
She kept her head averted.
poor sweet
II don't"
'.Dont talk. darling"
She turned and looked at the man
beside her. Dark earnest eyes piumbed
hers anxiously.
His tanned face was flushed. Bis
brow was damp.
sYou don't what. sweet?"
His thin mouth was twltching. She
stared at 1t hlankly.
aYou don't what7"
II don't know" She gave a long
sigh and closed her eyes. Waves
swept over her She was losing some.
thing. or was It already LOST Her ia
miliar self was fleeing. She opened
her eyes She Strengthened her hat.
.Feeling hetter7'
She searched his face Every curve
was strange. Who was he7 he spoke
as # he knew her well. Yet she could
not remember him.
.All right uow7"
who was he7 His smile WAS terri
fviHg. She could not remember him.
How had she got there7 Where had
she been before7 Who was he7 who
was anybody She did not even re-
member her own name.
She sat straight and tense. her eyes
wide open and frightened. The loss
OF her identity did not matter. II only
she could get away from this horri'
BILE man.
His fingers were on hers again. Hei
eyes took him In furtively. He was
young, yes young. well-dressed and II
way good looking.
"You need something to drink"
'sNo, no. I'm all right"
I'm going to get you bromide"
'4I'll take nothing
He set his jaw. There was drut
store In the next block.
She thought: must get away from
him. She thought II so strongly Their
was no room for her to wonder evei
nhort the loss OF memory.
He was rapping on the glass win
dow OF the cab. you'll feel better a
soon as you've swallowed something
soothing."
.Please don't bother
The driver turned roughly shave
face toward them.
.Stop at that drug store ahead
She shook her head II won't tax
anything" j.
The cab was slowing down.
Eyes you will" His smile was wa
and anxious. "Tll get them to mi
something to make you feel bette
It's the hi OF jam. No wonder 70
tainted"
She did not ask what the jam wa
She was filled with dread. But he
eyes were determined. She woul
take nothing from him. The cab Wa
stopped. The driver leaned towar
them.
Cant get right up In front of I'll
place"
This will do" The young man
hand was already on. the latch. "Con
on. But no. you better walt here.
bring 1t out to you He was forclr
a smile. He was suffering. She sa
that. But she did not pity him. r
went down the street. turned into Il
drug store. AS she saw the last OF hi
through the swinging doors. she VI
flooded with relief. She sat paralyze
He was gone. She leaned forwar
steadyIng herself against the glass B
hind the driver. Drive on she sal
Drive on"
The man turned his head slow
looked at her stupidity.
.'Drive on she repeated. Go OF
His heavy jaw dropped. You wa
me to drive on7'