Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 1 — page 141: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

had ever the last one, and now—sa clese to the day! Unheard of, the warden said; but I had the pass. They searched me and let mein. If Pd failed it might have been het- ter for you, Nils!” “Tf Pd failed, I meant te confess immediately—” | ‘“ Hush, I say! The others there seem inattentive enough, but you can’t gage how closely they are listening, A prison. is more than a prison. I’ve leamed that. It’s a mesh of devilish traps, set to comb the wery: soul aut of a man and violate its secrecy.” ‘Nils, you have suffered teo munch!” “Don’t go se white, lad. It was good im you to come and see me again.” (os Nils! 1): “T mean it. Don’t you think i under- stand what this means to your Hawve 1 no place? Why, the last time you came it nearly broke my heart to remind you of your duty! But we are men, you. and kL. When men love they are willing to make their sacrifice.” “You would not do this for me alone? It is all for Roberta?” “Can you ask? Why, dear friend, I would never damm you to a lifetime of re- morse for a lesser reason. My part is neoth- ing. To die is nothing. We all die. If you. could exchange with me, I might not survive you a day—an hour. There are so many doors out beside the one I pass through to-morrow. What’s death? Neo, thanked God when I saw your face, he- cause I wished to say a word or so that might make it easier.” ‘You are the noblest friend a man ever had. But 1 came to tell you that—that— have you seen the afternoon papers?” “No, nor any papers for a week. I’m done with this world and the news of it. I hadn’t supposed, though, that they would devote. their precious columns. to real gloat- ings, over me till to-morrow. Clay, take my advice and don’t read the papers of June 9..” “ You—haven’t seen—to-day’s?”’ “say, no! Why? Any special gloat- ings in them?” =. Can't I put myself in your . Lk “There is—Nils, you must let me step this while there is time. I shall go te the Gevernor— ‘No! Ne—ne—no, and no again! Clay, have I passed through months of hell fo see my reward snatched away at. the last instant? There! You see, I make it plain that I’m selfish! To keep ker happiness in-. vielate—to buy happiness for her at the mere price of death—why, that’s a joy that i never believed God would judge me worthy of!” “Yeu. believe in God and His justice? You?” “Most. solernnly—mast earnestly—as I never knew Him nor His justice before, Clayton, Iad. Why, I’m happy! De I seem. so tragically sad ta you?”’ “No. But you seem different fren: any living man. You look like—I hawne seen the picture of a man with that light on. his face.” 6. Se? 29. ‘‘ He was nailed to a cross. Nils! ‘“T said your part was. hardest. Hush! The others are listening. We've heen speaking toa loudly. Our time is almost gone, and | haven’t even begun what I wished to say. Quick! Make me two promises. You're the friend I have loved, Clay. Id stake anything on your word. First, I am buying your life with all that I have to give. So it’s mine, isn’t it?” ‘“'You—you know!” “Yes. Straighten up, boy. They are watching us. Your life, then, which is mine, I will and bequeath to—her. And you will never forget. That’s a promise?” ‘“Y-yes. My Ged, Nils, 1 can’t stand this! I have a thing to tell you—” “Hush! Second, never by word ner look, never, if you cam help it, by a thought in her presence, will you betray our secret. A promise?” “ Nils—no—yes! “ And you will—”’ “Ts that the guard coming?” ‘““} fear so. Qur last talk is over, Clay. Don’t care too much. Wait—just @ minute more, guard. What, five? ta me, these last days. Listen, Clay: “You are the only man in the world to i am I promase.”’ COmiclbooks They are good . C@ S|