Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/307

 "I did my best under difficulties. Think of it, my dear! He offered me an office for the betrayal of my people! I couldn't kill him. I was behind the bars, but I shall always thank God that he stood close enough for my fist to reach his mouth."

John broke into a joyous laugh. His spirit was contagious. Stella looked at him with wonder untila smile stole through the clouds thatshadowed her own brow.

"How beautiful you are this morning, dearest!" he cried exultantly.

She brushed the tears from her eyes.

"I tried to see you last night at two o'clock," she softly said.

"And succeeded, my love," he interrupted smiling. "You came up and stood there and talked to me just as you are now. You told me to be of good cheer—that you loved me. That you hated a sneak and a coward and a traitor. That you had rather see me cold in death than stoop to a low dishonourable deed, even for all the honours of earth. And I lifted up my head in courage. I forgot jails and handcuffs, courts and trials. You took me by the hand and led me away into green fields through the deep woods beside beautiful waters. All night hand in hand we roamed through the mystic world of Love—the only world