The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1903-11-05

was deceived; but as the next act in
u little drama might be narrowing
to your feelings, I will, with youl
permission, escort you from the
scene after l have given orders that
the execution proceed"
Jane thought rapidly. There was
n last throw in the game left her
and she might even make it and vet
not win; OF, winning, at what sacri
flee! But as long as this last chance
remained could she refuse to take it:
"Col. Bessemer," she said, "some
hours since you made me the offer
to exchange Capt. Worthington's life
for my promise to be your wife. II
that offer was made in good faith, ]
will-accept it."
A stony expression settled upon
Bessemer's face; his eyes looked at
her coldly. Ardently had he wooed
this young oma less than two
hours since; but that was before she
had jeopardized her reputation by
going to wild lengths to save another
mans life. On the other hand, his
pulses throbbed at every infection of
her voice, at every display of her
proud spirit, her naughty temper.
To have all this youthfulness, wilful.
ness, loneliness for his very own, to
bend that naughty will to his-the
thought was fascinating.
Il am waiting sir" The girls eyes
looked at him with cold surprise.
Apparently Miss Ellery was aston
ished that the bargain she offered
should not be more eagerly accept
ed.
Bessemer noted this with some
amusement, and with pleasure too.
1t pleased him that she seemed to
have no conception that she had done
aught which could make her less ac-
ceptable in his eyes. Had she turned
to him as a suppliant, he would have
scorned her; but she came as a pur-
chaser who offered a price which she
evidently considered high; and Bes-
emer was too human not to value
that which was offered him at much
the value at which it was offered.
"You are. willing to accept an Of
fer which I made you sometime
since?" he said slowly. ''Ah, yes; l re-
member-for your hand against this
fellows life; and you would have me
renew it now that you might give
your hand to me and your heart, to-
gether with his life, to him. A charm
ing bargain, truly"
you refuse, then?" She turned
away with the air of an empress,
drawing her cloak about her, and
apparently forgetful that she wore
not sweeping trains, but trod in
stead in dragon boots.
Bessemer's breath came more
quickly. "One moment, my queenly
Jane" he interposed. "You seem
most ready to accept refusal at my
hands, which makes me think that
after all the bargain you offer is not
so bad. You are a most enchanting
puzzle. One instant, I I'm convinced
your heart is all this rebels; vet
were it so, methinks you would not
be so willing to abandon your at
tempt to buy his life. And if 1 dc
agree to give his life in exchange
for your plighted word, what then?
Is it to be understood that I am to
have the right to claim you for my
wife whenever I SO choose? I am no
believer in long engagements, nor in
representation either in love or war;
nor do I propose to be put off with
one excuse and another. Come, Jane,
if I let this fellow live, will you be
mine on any day that I may set, or
at any moment that seems to me
most expedient?"
Jane turned slowly. "Have you not
my word?" she demanded. 81 won
der that you care to wed one whom
you seem to trust so little; but since
you wish to add another to your de-
lnands, I will consent provided you
permit me to add to my conditions.
l will agree to marry you whenever
you shall choose upon the promise
that you not only spare Capt. Worth
lngton's life upon this occasion, but
that you bind yourself to never again
strive to take it from him except in
fair fight upon the field of battle"
Upon my word," he remarked,
sneeringly, "this friend Worthington
of yours seems to stand nightly in
need of feminine protection. It is
usual to expect that an able-bodied
man will have sufficient prowess and
bravery to fight for the preserva-
ton of his life himself without
having to be hedged about with de-
lenses brought by a woman"
Il believe" Jane returned, "t is
also usual to expect a man to have
sufficient attractions to win a wife
without resorting to bargain and sale
to secure her."
Bessemer bowed low. GA fair re-
tort" he observed; zone which but
equals in brilliancy all that falls from
your lips. Your piquancy of speech,
dear lady, has largely fixed me in my
determination to possess you for my
own. One need never fear an inspired
life when it is sauced by your
tongue."
"sir, you have heard my last condi-
ton. DO you accept it?"
And you accept mine, I do"
CHAPTER XIII.