The Globe-republican., 1894-01-26

tell his friends. And he give me this
my pictur': he give it to me to keep.
His master said were to have it; and
1 mean to keep it now he's dead!'
William Jones handed back the pic
ture, and seemed relieved, indeed,
when it was out of his hands.
"DeadY' he muttered, not meeting
MATHS eyes, but looking right out to
sea. "Who told you he was deadT'
Matt did not reply, but gazed at VIII
liam so long and so significantly that
the man, conscious of her scrutiny,
turned and plunged into the darkness
of his dwelling.
An hour later loud voice. summoned
him forth. He went to the door, and
there was Monk, of Monkshurst. It
was the first time they had met since
they parted on the night Of the MUIR
der. Monk was dressed in dark sum-
mer suit, and looked unusually spic1
and span.
"W1here's the girl?" he cried, after O.
whispered colloquy of some minutes.
''Matt, where are you?"
In answer to the call Matt appeared
at the door. No sooner did she per-
ceive Monk than she trembled violent
ly and grew very pale.
''Come here, Matt" he said, with an
insinuating smile. ''See! I've brought
something for you-something pretty
for you to wear"
AS he spoke he drew from. his waist
coat pocket small gold ring, set with
turquoise stones. But Matt still trem-
bled, and shrank away.
81 don't want It'll sha'n't wear il, :"
she cried.
Nonsense, Matt" said Monk. "Why,
it's a ring fit for lady. Come, let me
put it on your finger"
So great seemed her agitation, so
deep her dread of him, that she could
not stir; so that when he approached,
laughing, and caught her round the
waist, he slipped the ring on her finger
before she could resist. But it only re-
manned there a moment. With quick,
sharp cry, she tore herself free, and,
taking the ring off, threw it right
away from her upon the sand. Then
with wild gesture of fear and loath-
ing, she rushed into the cottage.
William Jones walked over and
picked up the ring, while Monk stood
scowling darlSly after the fugitive.
"What the devil ais the girl?'' cried
the latter, with a fierce oath, pocket
ing the present.
'Dunno. She's never been the same
since-since the painter chap went
missing. I'm Altered he turned the
gals head"
Hell turn no more heads" NUT
tered Monk under his breath. He
added aloud and with decision:
''There must be an end to this She
must be married to me at once"
do you mean it, master? When you
spoke on it fust thought You was jolx-
ing"
''Then you were a fool for your
pains. She's old enough and bold
enough and vixenish enough; but I'll
tame her. I tell you there must be no
delay. My minds made up. and I'll
wait no longer"
Sinking their voices they continued
to talk together for some time. Now
Matt was crouching close to the TIRES
hold, and had heard every word of the
above conversation, and much that
followed it. When Monk walked away
and disappeared, leaving William
Jones ruminant at the broken gate.
she suddenly reappeared.
Curiously enough all her excitement
had departed. Instead of weeping OF
protesting, she looked at William
Jones-and laughed.
Monk had left his horse at the coast
guard station. Remounting, he rode
rapidly away through the sand hills IL
the direction of the lake. As he ap
proached the spot of the old encamp
ment, he saw that the caravan had
gone.
He rode on thoughtfully till h
gained the highway. when he put hi
horse into rapid trot just before b,