Arizona republican., 1901-03-04
wrfthed uncomfortably.


 You should, my love, you should. But must I prove it?"
 "I don't care what yo' do. I'd be glad if you'd shoot yourself"
 Would you, my cear? What a sweet tempered little wife she is.''
 'Nothin' would make me SD happy as to see you dead" she cried.
 "I suppose I ought to please you, but really 1t would be very inconvenlent just at this time. Besides, when I go I want to make sure you'll be there to meet me. I cana bear to think If an endless existence without you. By the way. L1w are you going to manage when you get to heaven. anyway? You'll nave two of us, you know. It'll be pretty touga Cn Graham, won't 1t? For. of coursa. you'l never leave me for time or eternity" He chuckled.
 ''I believe YOU are devil"
 That's what l am. Prt what is that string around your neck?"
 The lacky day! Do I have to show you everything I wear?" She spoke tco loudly, and was too anxious to get the tell-tale string out of sight.
 Certainly, my love. But that cord is not ornamen.al; why don't you get string of beads if you want to be girl isl? Bue perhaps you keep it there to stiffen your backbone
 My hackbsne don't need stlffenin', thank yo'."
 Or to bring you good luck?"
 None of your business"
 "Or to keep a purse from dropping into your stocking"
 sir. How did you kn1w--" She tn. blood ran
 HC laughed aloud.
 letter hand it over my i5vc.'
 "What?"
 That wallet"
 ''I shant. sO there."
 % yes you will"
 "I won't. I'll kill you first"
 That's two-handed game. I've played it trine myself. Do you see this?"
 In spite of herself she booked up; then staggered back as she saw the giittering blade of a bowie.
 Do you see that?" he repeated, his eyes burning into her very soul.
 iiNi NNts iCit Nilt anu iliS. and she was lost. She realized how powerless she was, and she became as white as death. and stared and swayel piteously back and forth, like poor little bird trying to escape the se.- pent's deadly fascination. yet utterly unable to withdraw its gaze.
 He arose, and stealthily approached her. but never never once did he take his eyes from hers, and she could ID more drop her lids than she could fly. She was fascinated and powerless.
 He stopped directly in front of her and brandished the long. sharp knife rapidly back and forth before her be- wildered eyes.
 She tried to scream but could not utter a sound; she tried to throw up her hands but they were chained to her side; she tried to rise. but her legs were gone. She felt herself dropping into drowsy indifference, and then ob- livion.
 He chucked aloud as he dropped the knife to his side and stood looking down at her
 ''That settles it. I've got the power beyond doubt. l expected trouble with this old witch, but she's about the easiest victim ever had. Bah! what garrulous old squaw. I've a notion to stick this knife into her and end it. I'm sick of her. l must get the property first, though, and I'll be hanged if know where she keeps the papers. But I'll take another hunt"
 He pulled the purse from her bosom. with vicious violence. Saw that it was full ,andthrust it Into his pocket. He then made a search of the room, prying into all the drawers. and ransacking every conceivable hiding place, but in vain. No good he muttered, after put ting everything as it was before. I'll have to ask my dear wife" He gave a chuckle and leer as he said it.
 70, you old rip," he said, as he looked down at her. Eve a mighty big notion to cut that grizzly old throat. How I loathe you.'
 He viciously stuck the knife into the hand lying on her lap.
 Wake up. witch." he snarled.
 She moaned slightly and moved un easily, but could not open her eyes.
 Wake up, I say!" He pricked her check and laughed boisterously as the hot blood trickled down her face.
 How many times must call you? Get up!" He pricked her other cheek,