Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-04-01
CHAPTER III.-(Continued.)


mand with the submission Of a lamb.
What power did this rude fellow exert
over this defiant girl? Had she met her
master in him?
He pointed to the easy chair which she
had left but minute before, as che sank
into it, he carelessly tossed his dripping
hat upon a dainty sofa covered with
pale blue satin embroidered with apple
blossoms, and braced himself against the
toi!|t table, the muslin drapery of which
became crushed and soiled by contact
with his muddy boots.
First of ALL" he began, sneeringly,
your tragedy airs are out of place. So
long as you do not bring us face to face
do not care pin to meet him; what
Is more, l no more want to kill him
than L want to marry you-for love-"
He paused abruptly, and little by lit
tie she raised her great, dilated eyes to
his face like two burning stars.
1T may touch your vanity in vul-
nerable spot" he continued, sitting down
upon the edge of the table and crossing
one foot over the other, "but I don't
love you speck and never did; so you
may as well know, first as last, that if
you hadn't been worth your weight In
gold, l wouldn't have looked twice at
you. You're not my style. I'm hot tenn
pered enough myself, and bringing a fire.
brand into my camp wouldn't have help
ed matters"
While he spoke the defiant look had
been creeping back into Sylphide's face,
Frightening her eyes and curling her
red lips
so you sought to marry me for my
money! she murmured, looking him
steadily in the eye.
Most assuredly; for no other reason"
You have lost me and my money,
too" she cried, springing to her feet.
You, yes; but not the money. Your
father left will, did he not?"
mo"
1t is doubtful whether, had a bomb ex-
ploded at his feet, Oscar Couramont
would have started more violently.
Left no will?" he cried.
Il tell you, no." Sylphide replied with
q steady, level glance.
Couramont shrugged his shoulders and
reseated himself upon the edge of the
table.
I'm that case" he rejoined, "all the
property comes to you. Well, 80 be II
i must change my tactics You must
hand over to me the half of the estate.
which by right your father ought to have
left me-"
The indignant reply that quivered for
utterance upon Sylphide's lips was check
ed by sudden knocking at the locked
door which communicated with the cor
dor.
Missy sylph, Missy Sylph! called a
woman's voice from the other side of the
door.
With wicked glance in her eyes,
Sylphide turned upon Couramont.
1T is Diana, my maid," she said;
she will secure my release"
"Bah! growled the rascal, tell her
to go away; I'm not half through talk
ing to you. Do as bid you; it is worth
your whilew
Taking step toward that thin parti-
tion that separated her from deiverance,
Sylphide raising her voice, said:
Il do not need you, Diana. Continue
with the packing" Then. with the dar-
Ing CLEAN again shining in her eyes. she
supplemented, "and if in half an hour |
to come up for mev'
Fool" sneered Couramont; "wel, a
woman always will have the last word.
so suppose | ought not to blame you
for what you can't help. All is, we shall
have to talk fast, rs zee no occasion to
soil my hands with this fellows blood
So by packing up, you intend to leave
Roscmont"
81 do"
Then we will proceed to business
and settle everything up before you 60
Sylphide, want my share of the estate,
and | want ii now-to night"
How dare youY she demanded, turn
Ing upon him, imperiously; your share ?
What do ,ou mcanT
Just what | say want my share" A"
There Is no share for you: | doubt
II my poor father ever thought to leave
you so much as one cent"
That is quite possible" retorted
Couramont with his imperturbable
smile; "the old man never loved me, bur
he feared me. And | intend that YOU
shall atone for his lack of common sense
and your want of forethought In marry.
Ing this interloper."
~ he sPVhV ne uuNHnceu upon her
where fhe stood in the center of the
chamber, and drew from an inner pocket
a slip Of paper.
81 am, not stupid enough to suppose
that you have sum OF money upon YOU
tonight sufficient to satisfy my demands.
Therefore, this letter, addressed to your
executor. and stating that in accord ance
with an expressed wish Of your father
that his estate be equally divided be-
tween us two. his only heirs, you will
sign"
"Neverr'
He drew back a step and slared upon
her so balefully that shs rscoiled and
caught at chair for support.
DO you refuse to sign this paper p
ne asked, steadily; BE warned In time