It was a woman.
"I beg your pardon, madam, but can I be of any help to you?"
She started to her feet with a little cry. "Don't be frightened," said
Dick, in a calm voice. "I am a gentleman. Come, let me help you." And
stepping into the shadow, he gently led her to the light, where she
stood trembling before him. "Tell me what--My God! Amy--I beg your
pardon--Miss Goodrich."
"Oh Mr. Falkner," sobbed the poor girl, almost beside herself with
fear. "Don't let that man come near me. I want to go home. Oh, please
take me home?"
"There, there," said Dick, controlling himself and speaking in a steady,
matter-of-fact tone. "Of course I'll see you home. Take my arm, please.
You need have no fear. You know I'll protect you."
Calmed by his voice and manner, the girl ceased her sobbing and walked
quietly down the street by his side.
Dick's mind was in a whirl. "Was he dreaming? How came she here at
such an hour. Who was she afraid of? By her dress, she had been to a
social party of some kind; what did it all mean? But he spoke no word
as they walked on together.
"Oh look," exclaimed Amy, a few moments later, as they turned east on
Sixth Street; "there he is again. Oh Mr. Falkner, what shall I do? Let
me go." And she turned to run once more.
Dick laid his hand on her arm. "Miss Goodrich, don't you know that you
are safe with me? Be calm and tell me what you fear." Something in his
touch brought Amy to herself again and she whispered: "Don't you see
that man standing there by the light?" She pointed to a figure leaning
against a telephone pole.
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