And then Rose closed the door and leaned heavily against the wall.

[Illustration: HE SNATCHED THE HAT FROM HIS HEAD, AND BENT HIS FACE CLOSE
TO HERS.]

CHAPTER XXIV.

A NARROW ESCAPE.

Not a word passed between the two for some moments. The man glanced up and down the street uneasily, then resumed his hat and said:

"I am glad you recognize me, Rose. I have been wanting to see you for a long time."

"You have risked your life in coming," she said. "Surely you know that a large reward rests against you."

"I do, but I am willing to risk life to see the one I love—"

"Hush! Mr. Bordine," cried the girl, huskily. "I wish to hear no more of that."

"No? Then you believe the stories that are handed about that I am a murderer?"