The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1908-04-05

do not know whether that was true
Or not. But it sounded true enough
and Spriggs was visibly impressed.
But the suave Mr.. Paul did not call
culate correctly on the direction this
Information would give his thoughts.
The lord Of Sisai pondered while and
then said, very slowly, IF that is true,
think I had better buy your rights.
That will save trouble all round. I
will give you one thousand dollars for
them"
Nonsense" said Paul, sharply. "Pm
not here to sell. I'm here to buy"
You won't sell?'' Spriggs inquired,
slowly
Certainly not" was the reply.
Spriggs turned upon the younger man
with an access OF dignity. 81 don't
know what your object is" he said
with grim emphasis. But you have
made it quite worth my while TO kill
you" ,
It was true. Paul. holding that bill
Of sale under a treaty, was a menace
to the peaceful possession of Sisal.
Dead. his bill of sale became worthless
and Spriggs would have no one to fear.
I think that Miss Jenkins at this mo-
iuEAL Disappeared lTOLl Tie 4uS5liOA
between us Paul stared at Spriggs
and then down at his schooner, far
below. He had come to threaten and
cajoIe; his own weapons had been turn
ed against him. He felt, IN his cow
ardly heart, that Death stood beside
him.
What ii is that links the presence Of
the End with the thought Of woman
HI
debonair adventurer of an hour since
now stood, white-faced, doubtful,
afraid to speak his mind. And then he
recalled the name of the only woman
within a thousand miles and rested his
last bet on that 81 see you are de-
termfned that I shall escort Miss Jen-
kins to her people, he said with an
at jocosity.
Spriggs's face relaxed and then
knew how close that man had been to
death. The name brought UP Spriggs's
great passion. He could defend his
title to his island without hesitation or
delay But I saw instantly las did
Paul. that where Miss Jenkins was
he was in a moil of doubt.
Paul followed up his advantage quick
Iy, ''You see" he said, more easily
than I thought he could, Il came here
for a purpose. But I am always ready
to listen to the cry of distress. In fact.
I am ready now to give up present
purposes in regard to Sisal in order
that this lady, whom I feel you have
cruelty prosecuted, may be restored TO
her own society and relieved from the
Of you two. / learned
FIRM her last night somewhat Of your
scheme It was shrewd, wasn't 1t?
You have great faith in your charms,
Spriggs. old boy!"
"Fooi.' I burst ont upon Spriggs.
'cYo11 were well named! No wonder
that from the Coast to Java Head you
are known by your acquaintances as q
1under-headed ass. But / want TINS
Mr.. Paul to understand that in dealing
with Miss Jenkins. he deals with me-
am no adventurer. I am a business
nan. down here on business And 1
wish you to know I said. turning on
him. that Miss Jenkins is not going
IN the Bessie Martin"
He looked at me and accomplished
MS final impudence. Excuse me- ne
said. driIy. But what If I should in
'arr, vo7I that Miss Jenkins and are
n ba married and that I came here on
purpose to claim her as my wife,?
It was incredible. Of course But you
must remember that il was not thing
n he discussed. It either was true, or
Z was not true. Paul saw the point
md pushed it home. '>Of couse," ne
aid. Miss Jenkins is the one to de-
,ide IL. Ask hert'
left him and Spriggs 70 fight out
heir issue. I went back 70 the Sta
ion on the run found Miss Jenkins
rtiIl packing. She received me without
. word. I caught my breath, looking
II her for the first time with definite
ear that she was to give her heart 70
mother man. Then I bung3ed my err
and: Are you going to marry this
nan Paul?" cried.
She gazed over my head and said.
Ter voice trembling with anger, How
much longer am I to have to endure
-our fnsolence2 Ask your questions OF
dr. Paul. II you dare!"
7 recognized instantly the failure OF
demand, I knew no more than did,
nd 7 had shut myself of forever from
my chance Of getting at the truth. II