Rocky Ford enterprise., 1896-03-12
CHAPTER VI.-CoSTISuEp,.

A hundred pairs OF hands were out
stretched to receive Margie when Arch
brought her to the shore. Her dear de-
voted friends crowded around her. and
In heir Joy at her escape. Arch re-
treated for his lodgings. But Miss Leo
had been watching him. and seized his
arm the moment he was clear OF the
crowd.
"Oh, Mr.. Trevlyn. it's just like
novel;" she exclaimed. enthusiastically.
"Only you cannot marry the heroine.
for she Is engaged to Mr.. Linmere; and
she perfectly dotes on him."
She fitted away. and Trevlyn went
up to his chamber.
That evening there was n hop" at
the hotel, but Arch did not go down. He
knew II he did the inevitable Miss Leo
would anchor herself on his arm for the
evening; and his politeness was not
equal to the task Of entertaining her.
The strains Of music reached him,
softened and made sweet by the dis
tance. He stole down on the piazza,
and sat under the shadows of flower
Ing vine. looking at the sky. with Its
myriads Of glittering stars. There was
light step at his side. and Glancing up.
he saw Margie Harrison.
She was in evening dress. her white
arms and shoulders bare. and glisten-
ing with snowy pearls. Her soft un-
bound hair fell over her neck in a flood
OF light. and subtle perfume. like the
breath Of blooming water-lilies, hoated
around her.
81 want to make you my captive for n
little while, Mr.. Trevlyn." she said.
gayly. "Will you wear the chains?'
Like garland Of roses" he re-
sponded. "Yes. to the worlds end. Miss
Harrison!'
The unconscious fervor OF his voice
brought crimson flush to her face.
She dropped her eyes. and toyed with
the bracelet on her arm.
II did not know you dealt in compli-
ments. Mr.. Trevlyn." she said. little
reproachfully. II thought you were al
ways sincere"
"And so am, Miss Harrison"
II take you at your word then" she
said, recovering her playful air. You
will not blame me. II I lead you into
difficulty?"
Certainly not. I give myself into
your keeping"
She put her hand within his arm, and
led him up the stairs. to a private par
lor on the second floor. Under the Jet
of light sat old Mr.. Trevlyn. Archer's
heart throbbed fercely, and his lips grew
set and motionless as he stood there be-
fore the man he hated, the man against
whom he had made vow Of undying
vengeance. Margie was looking at her
guardian, and did not observe the start
| ling change which had come over Arch.
She spoke softly, addressing the old
| man.
Dear guardian, this is the man who
this morning so gallantly rescued me
from watery grave. l want you to
help me thank him."
Mr.. Trcvlyn arose, came forward, and
extended his hand. Arch stood erect.
his arms folded on his breast. He did
not move, nor offer to take the proffered
hand. Mr.. Trevlyn gave start of sur
prise, and seizing lamp from the table.
held it up to the face of the young man.
Arch did not finch; he bore the insult
ing scrutiny with stony calmness.
The old man dashed down the lamp,
and put his hand to his forehead. His
face was livid with passion, his voice
choked so as to be scarcely audible.
"Margie, Margie Harrison" he ex-
claimed, what is this persons name?"
ARCHER Trevlyn, sir" answered the
girl. amazed at the strange behavior of
the two men.
Just as thought! Hubert's son"
YES" said Arch, speaking with pain
full calmness, II am Hubert's son; the
son of the man your wicked cruelty
murdered"
Mr.. Trevlyn seized his cane and
rushed upon his gran N; but Margie
sprang forward and w her arm
across the breast of Arch.
Strike him, II you dare!' she said,
"but you shall strike woman"
Mr.. Trevlyn looked at her and the
weapon dropped to the floor.
Margaret Harrison" he said sternly,
"leave this room. This is no place for
you. Obey mel"
Il am subject to no mans authority"
she said, boldly: land l will not leave
the room. You shall not insult a gentle
man to whom owe my life, and who is
here as my invited guest!
Il shall defend myself! There Is
murder in that fellows eye, If l ever
saw it in that of any human being"
81 am answerable for his conduct"
she said with proud dignity. HE will
do nothing of which lady need stand
in fear. 1 brought him here, ignorant
of the relationship existing between you
and him. and unconscious of the truth
that should be called upon to defend
him from the causeless rage of his own
grandfather"
Again the cane was uplifted, but Mar
garet laid her hand resolutely upon 1t.
"Give it to me. Will you--you who
pride yourself upon your high and deli
cate sense of honor-will you be such
an abject coward as to strike defense
less mani"
He yielded her the weapon, and she
threw 1t from the window.
"You may take away my defense,
Margaret" said the old man, resolutely,
"but you shall not prevent me from
cursing him! A curse be upon him"
Hold, sir? Remember that your
head is white with the SHOWS of time.