indow that served as
her writing-desk and asked quietly what she should do. Crothers handed
her a list of names and a package of envelopes and told her to address
them. The old clock on the wall ticked away comfortably; the warmth
and the late hearty meal combined to drive away fear and apprehension
of, she knew not what, and Cynthia was soon absorbed in the task set
her.

Presently the kerosene lamp on her table flickered and went out; then
glancing over at Crothers' back she asked timidly:

"Please, may I sit by your desk, sir? The light's failed."

Crothers turned about and smiled at the pale little creature in the
shadows.

"Come right along, little miss! Here, let me fetch your chair. There,
now!"

Seated at the end of the flat-topped desk, Cynthia tried to resume her
work, but the unrest of the early afternoon possessed her and she felt
a tear roll down her cheek--the cheek nearest the man at her left side.

What happened after that Cynthia never could tell clearly; she only
knew that a large, hot hand wiped the tear away and a burning kiss fell
upon her cheek!

Horrified, and shaking with fear, the girl sprang to her feet and
reached the opposite side of the desk near the window looking out
toward The Way. She had but one thought: she would break the window
and make a dash for safety! But Crothers was upon his feet also. He
did not offer to come nearer, but he leaned over the desk and said
quietly:

"What you afraid of, lil' girl?"

"You!" The word was like a hiss.

"Of me? Can't you give me a kiss? I don't want to hurt you; I'm your
best friend; why, see here, I'll give you a right smart new coat and
hat and dress--for a kiss; just a little kiss."

Cynthia's eyes seemed fastened to the smiling, cruel face, but she did
not tremble now. Calmly, clearly, she was thinking what she could take
with which to defend herself.

"Just--one--more--kiss--lil' girl," and now Crothers was coming around
the corner of the desk. It seemed like some fearful nightmare, but
Cynthia was ready!

"Just one--more--kiss right on the pretty mouth!" The large, white
hands were extended and the teeth showed through the red lips. At that
instant Cynthia seized the lighted lamp which stood near, and with
desperate strength flung it toward the reaching body! There was a
crash, a curse, a fall, and then the room was blotted out by darkness.

For a moment there was a deathlike stillness and in it the girl crept