A KISS
He Was Forgiven Only Because
She Was Equally
Culpable.
By F. TOWNSEND SMITH.
Copyright. 1310. by American Press
Association.
The night was dark as Erebus. It
rained, the wind blew, aud the streets
were Looded.
There are two suburban towns
Bloomlngton and Rosedale near the
ity Id which I have an office, my res
idence being In one of these towns.
They are five miles apart and were at
the time of which I write connected
by an execrable road. I lire In Rose
dale, but on this wild night I was in
Bloomlngton attending a social gath
ering. 1 telephoned for a cab, but a
reply came over the wire that not a
conveyance was to be bad.
, Turning up my trousers, buttoning
my coat and opening my umbrella, 1
sallied forth, trusting that 1 might
pick up some conveyance to hire.
I found nothing In the way of a ve
hicle on the streets and. reaching the
town limits, left street lamps behind
me, pushing on into the darkness. 1
had walked or waded perhaps half a
mile when, seeing something dark
ahead of me close by the sidewalk, I
approached It curiously. What was
my surprise to find a carriage. This
I knew rather by feeling than sight.
I groped my way to Its front, and
there were two horses standing, with
their beads lowered, patiently endur
ing the rain. I took my matchbox
from my pocket and, drawing forth a
match It was the only one left struck
It It was extinguished by the wind,
but not before I had caught a glimpse
of a coachman In waterproofs on the
box, leaning back against the body of
the carriage fast asleep.
I shouted to blm. then shook him. It
was some time before I aroused htm
and then could get nothing out of hlni
as to bow be came to be In such a
singular position. Inded. be didn't
peeva to know. He asked If I was the
man who had been beside blm awhile
ago. I asked blm for what point he
bad been beaded when be had drop
ped off to sleep, and be said Rosedale.
"Very well," I replied, "start up
your horses and we'll go there."
I thought It better for me to remain
beside him till be became fully awak
ened, fearing he would fall off the box.
I stayed by him till we bad goue per
haps a mile, when he seemed in better
condition, and. since I was getting
drenched. I concluded to get Inside the
carriage. I directed him to pull up
and., dismounting from my perch,
found the handle of the door and In
another moment was sitting on the
rear seat.
There was a curious odor inside
which I had smelled before, but could
not remember what It was. The win
dow was closed, and I opened it. 1
thought I would smoke, but remember
ed that I bad used my last match.
The Jolting of the carriage was Buch
that I braced myself In my corner.
Dropping my hand beside me. It light
ed on some delicate fabric like silk
was astonished, but bad cause for
more astonishment when In another
moment, the carriage passing over a
hollow place to the roud. some one
was thrown up against my shoulder,
Instinctively I put out my bands for
protection and encountered a woman
I was seized with a desire to get out
of the carriage despite the storm and
without waiting for It to stop. 1 call
ed to the driver, who drew up. and I
asked him If he knew who was in bis
carriage. Be seemed still dazed, at
any rate so far as memory goes, and
aid that be didn't know that there
was any one inside. Then be said be
bad started with a lady, but he didn't
know whether she bad left him or not.
There was silence tor a moment, and
I could bear the person beside me
breathing. 1 judged that we were
midway between Bloomlngton and
Rosedale. We might as well go on as
go back. There were few bouses on
the way, and the people In them were
all abed. 1 told the driver to drive as
fast as the road would admit. There
was some one In the carriage who
might need medical attention.
He whipped up bis horses, aud the
jolting was terrible. It occurred to
me that It would awaken any one
wltb a spark of life. To facilitate
matters 1 let down the other . window
so as to give plenty of air. Within ten
minutes I bad evidence that my com
panlon was moving voluntarily; then
a gasp.
"ivnert urn n itu in
"Don't be frightened," I said.
"Has be gone?"
"Who?"
"The man who got In beside me and
held a cloth against my face."
"Ob! That's the explanation. Is it?"
"My brooch it Is gone!"
"Anything else missing?"
"I bad nothing else wltb me. But
how did you come to be bore?"
All this was spoken In a frightened
voice, and I knew that she was draw
Ids away from me. I told her what
be wished to know. Then she en
lightened me still further. She said
that while passing out of Bloomlngton
the carriage bad stopped, and she
heard a man talking wltb the driver.
Then tbe man got up on the box. She
aaw the flare of a match, and she
melt tobacco smoke. There was an
odor to tbe smoke tbat made her feel
tIL Presently the carriage stopped.
and the man who bad got up beside the I
driver descended from the box and got
Into the carriage. Frightened, she or
dered him out, but he forced a cloth
over her mouth and nose, and that
was all she remembered.
It was all plain to me now. A rob
ber bad persuaded the coachman to
let him ride, had given him a drugged
cigar and had then administered ether
or chloroform to the lady Inside and
robbed her. This explained her ask
ing If I was the man who had been
beside her.
The lady on coming to herself was In
much better condition than the
coachman. The drug used In his case
had undoubtedly been different from
tbat used on her.
I think you must be a gentleman."
she said. "Judging from the tone of
your voice."
I return tbe compliment Tour
voice Is not only that of a lady, but is
very soft and sweet."
It seems to me tbat I have heard
yours before," she said after a pause.
I was going to say the same of
yours."
We may be acquainted."
Quite possibly."
"Who are you?"
By this time It struck me that this
was quite an adventure. I was not
disposed to spoil It by giving up my
Identity too soon. I gave a fictitious
name.
"I'm disappointed," she said. "I was
sure I knew you, and I would have
felt so relieved If you bad turned out
to be one of my friends."
I assure you of my protection. But
you have not given me your own
name."
That is not necessary since I have
learned tbat we are not acquainted. 1
wish I could see you. Have you no
way of making a light?"
I bad only one match, and I have
used that I do not need to see you
to know that you are young and beautiful."
I am young, but a fright I am
pitted with smallpox scars. I suppose
needn't ask you If you are band-
some?"
"I am considered tbe homeliest man
in my set" 1
She had so far recovered her equa
nimity to give a little laugh.
Do you live hereabout?" she asked.
"Yes; In Rosedale. I have been to a
muslcale in Bloomlngton."
"And I have been to a dance there."
'At the Springers'?"
Yes. Do you know them?"
I do. I was Invited to their dance.
but bad previously accepted an invita
tion at the Deerlngs'."
"We know the same people, then."
And you are reassured?"
Certainly."
"And don't feel any compunction at
riding In pitch darkness with a strange
gentleman?"
'None whatever, since I am sure he
is a gentleman."
You can trust me. I have recently
become engaged."
"Oh, then I'm safe Indeed!"
This was said in a tone tbat made
me take notice. It did not seem to me
tbat tbe lady cared especially about
being so safe. I permitted my band
to fall upon hers. She allowed It to
remain there.
Yon are not tbe person you claim
to be at all," she said. "I didn't recog
nize you at first, but I have done so
since."
"Indeed!"
And I question If you are one of
the goody-goody kind."
I don't know that I am."
"Are you really engaged?"
"I certainly am."
She leaned very close against me,
and I felt ber warm breath on my
cheek! I was sure that, knowing me.
she was Intending to play some prank
on me, get me to kiss her and tell my
fiancee, or something like that. I steel.
ed myself against ber blandishments.
was really more Interested In dis
covering who she was than anything
else.
"Do you know my fiancee?" 1 asked
"Yes. 1 do."
Do you admire her?"
Not especially."
Will you give me five guesses?"
Not one."
Just then we passed on a horrible
scoop lo tbe road. Sbe was thrown
against me. ber cheek being pressed
against mine. My will power was
broken. I twisted my arm around ber
neck, held ber fast and kissed her.
She freed herself.
There was an ominous silence.
Now I suppose you're going to
blame me."
No answer.
"It i rather off color for me to take
advantage of this peculiar situation to
take a kiss."
Was tbat a sob?
Great heavens! What had I done?
I must have mistaken ber. My action
had been black as the night I would
give five years of my life to recall that
kiss.
"Forgive me," I pleaded.
Never!"
Good gracious! Suppose she told this
to my fiancee. Edith might forgive my
kissing another, but my taking a kiss
under the circumstances she would
consider simply brutal.
Are you going to tell on me?" I
asked In a supplicating tone.
Oh, no; I won't betray you."
We bad reached Rosedale. An elec
tric light flashed Into the carriage.
"Edith!" I exclaimed In amazement
"You've kissed another girl," she
moaned.
"I've kissed you, sweetheart not an
other girl at all."
"I'll never forgive you."
"Then I'll never forgive you."
"Why?" she asked, starting.
"You've kissed another man."
I was even with her, so I received
t free pardon..
A Store Overflowing With Bargains
If you come to our store this week you can't miss a bargain
anywhere; because there are cut prices in every department.
CLOAKROOM
This is Overflowing with Extraordinary Values
If saving money on purchase of dependable and modish
apparel is an object to you, don't fail to secure your wants
early.
TAILORED SUITS.
At ridiculous cut price $7.50
Stylish, best tailored, fine woolen worsted Suits, regular
$25, $22.50, $19.50, $17.50 values, five days sale
at ...$7.50
Assortment 2 Fine checked and striped Worsted solid
color Chiffon Panamas and serge in all shapes. Gar
ments worth $12.50, $11.50 and $9.95. Five Day!
sale at $4.95
Reasonable Charge for Alterations.
PETTICOAT SPECIAL.
Taffeta silk at .$4.95, $3.95, $3.50, $2.95
Heatherbloom from 39c upward
Gingham, solid color or striped at 59c
DRY GOODS
HAIR GOODS
Specials in the Hair Goods section 2 dozen Hair Tur
bans in assorted shades regular 25c values spe
cial at 19c
Coronet Braid by the inch in assorted shades, while it
lasts, at, per inch ... . 3c
Special discount on all our Hair Switches this week only.
RIBBON SPECIAL
25 pieces of Morrie Ribbon, in colors, black, pink, blue,
tan, white, green and red 5 to 8 inches wide
worth up to 35c special to close at 25c
WHITE LINEN FINISH SUITINGS
5 pieces of 36-inch Belgrade Linen finish Suiting in white
only fine for skirts and suits regular 15c values to
close at ..12 l-2c
LADIES' DUTCH COLLARS
"We are offering great values in our Dutch Collars and
Jabots at greatly reduced prices. Collars worth
from 25c to $1.00 Special to close, at ONE-HALF OFF
EMBROIDERIES
1 lot assortment of Embroidery bandings and insertings
in widths from 3 to 6 inches a nice assortment of
stylish patterns worth from 35c to 50c; to close
at ' 29c
SILK WAIST SNAP
Jap and Taffeta Silk, regular $4.95 value (assorted)
style and color). Choice at $2.95
CUT PRICES ON SILK DRESSES.
Regular $14.50 line 5 day sale. ......$ 9.95
Regular $19.50 line. 5 days sale. $13.75
Regular $25.00 line. 5 day sale. .$17.50
ONE THIRD OFF On children's Capes and Spring Coats and
"Women's Capes. '
Footwear Department
Oxfords
"Women's Oxfords in all leathers.
All the latest models in either
Ties, Pumps or Buttons, pair,
$2.50. $3.00 and $3.50.
King Quality Oxfords
p? for Men
in latent, Uun metal, Kussia. or
Coffee Tan and Vici Kid leathers.
Lace or button style. High or me
dium heels, high arch, ne perforat
ed tips, perfect fitting. No gaping
or rubbing at the heels, $3.00, $4.00,
$4.50 and $5.00.
DEPARTMENT
EMBROIDERY WAIST FRONTOfGS
Special Sale on Embroidery Waist Frontings
. 1 lot of embroidery Waist Frontings, all 24 inches long; ,
assorted patterns on fine Swiss, small and large ef
fects one of the greatest values in embroidery
worth from 50c to 75c special sale price this week
at . 39c
, . CURTAIN RODS
1 lot of extension Brass Curtain rods with Ball. Tips, a
great value special this week. 3 for 25c
12 CENT GREENBRIAR DRESS GINGHAMS 10 CENTS
23 pieces of 27 inch Greenbriar Dress Ginghams in
Checquesj stripes and plaids, in blue, pink, red, brown
etc. A great bargain regudar 12 l-2e values, to
close at .10c
18C LADIES SLEEVELESS VESTS 12C
3 dozen Ladies' Gauze Sleeveless Vests in sizes, 5 and 6
regular 18c value special while they last, at.... 12 l-2c
5 dozen Ladies' Gauze Sleeveless Vests in sizes, 4,1 5 and
6 regular 10c or 3 for , . . .... . . ..... . ,25c
Spring Styles in
Gordon Hats
017-021 O St. OPPOSITE CITY HALI
Men's Shirts in the
New Spring and
Summer Styles
Muscle and Music.
A story used to be told of Paderew
skl tbat be could crack a pone of
French plate glass half an Inch thick
merely by placing one hand upon it as
If upon a piano keyboard and striking
It sharply with his middle finger. Cho
pin's last study in O minor has a pas
sage which takes two minutes and five
seconds to play. The total pressure
brought to bear on this, It is estimated.
Is equal to three full tons. The aver
age "tonnage" of an hour's piano play
ing of Chopin's music varies from
twelve to eighty-four tons.
To Market on Stilts.
An Interesting aud picturesque cus
torn in southwestern France is tbat ol
going to market on stilts. Groups ol
young men and women mounted on
high stilts may be seen daily crossing
the marshy plains known as "the Lan
des." "Tbe Landes" are cut up intc
small ditches, pools and hummocks,
and stilts are In consequence almost
necessary to those who desire to trav
erse them.
Wo Royalties Called "Baby."
One noteworthy feature about royal
ties is that ' none has been called
"baby." From their earliest years the
royal children are always called by
their names or possibly by some pet
name, but an English prince or prin
cess Is never called "baby" either by
relatives or by his or her nurses.
From the age of five a prince Is styled
"sir" by his attendants and a princess
"madam." London M. A. P.
A Proverb Reversed.
Friend (to interesting invalid) Never
mind. dear, you'll soon be better. ' Re
member, it's only the good that die
young. Interesting Invalid You've
got it the wrong way. You mean It's
only the young who die good. London
The Wageworker Shop is in shape
to do all the printing for your union.
Call in and get acquainted with us
The strikebreakers for the Sugar
Trust near New York objected to be
ing fired when the trust capitulated
and for the first time in the history
of America the police clubbed the
strikebreakers.
Billy Sunday, the great evangelist,
never neglects an opportunity to put
in a lick for organized labor. It
makes some of his Citizen Alliance
and "open" shop auditors squirm, but
Billy don't care.
A Spokane minister desires to be
given a seat as fraternal delegate
in the Central Labor Council. If ho
is the right kind, he will do no harm;
and if he is the wrong kind, he won't
stay. Let him In, boys. '
The Labor Temple is an open forum
in New York under the auspices of
the Presbyterian church. It is open
every night to hear the best thought
on vital questions, and is crowded
with men and women.
The "open-shop" hat manufacturers
are still coming back to the union
label.
Illustrated Bits.
