The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-21

(Continued)
 ''Must! You are pretty dictatorial, eaid Leonard angrily. Must answer for it. What do you meanF ~
 Were you on Caester Hill today!
 sswhat's that to you?" There was no mlstaking the defiant, quarrelsome in- tent
 Answer me. were you?" Harolds voice was strong and calm.
 .'what If I was?' It is none of your affair. Did I say anything in what you have politely called my drunken sleepF
 You did"
 What did I say?"
 T shall tell you in time. But must know the truth as I proceed. There ia some one else concerned In this and I must know as I go on. You can easi- iy judge by what say if l am right" :"
 Then ask away and be damned to you! Harold's calm voice seemed to queli the others turbulence as he went on:
 Were you on caester Hill this morn ingT'
 T was"
 '.Dld you meet Mlss-a lady there"
 What did,"
 "was 1t by appointment" Some sort of idea or half-recollection seemed to come to Leonard; he fumbled half consciously in his breast-pocket. Then he broke out angrfly:
 You have taken my letteri''
 T know the answer to that ques- tion," said Harold slowly. You show ed me the letter yourself Ind insisted on my reading it." Leonard's heart be- gan to quail. He seemed to have an instinctive dread of what was coming. Harold went on calmly and remorse- lessly:
 Did proposal of marriage pass be- tween your"
 "Yes!" The answer was defiant given; Leonard began to feel that his back was against the wall.
 ''Who made it?" The answer was a sudden attempt at blow. but Harold struck down his hand in time and held it. Leonard. though himself a fairly strong man, was powerless in that iron grasp.
 You must answer me, It is neces- sary that know the truth. You have already. and when you were seemingly awake and coherent. told me so much that all want Is to verify your state- nnent."
 ''why must your What have you to do with it? You are not my Keeper, Nor Stephen'sw The insult cooled Harold's rising passion. even whilst it wrung his heart. It was indeed a poor thing when even such an one as this could trample on 1t.
 II have to do with it because I ehoose. Now. clearly understand me, Leonard Everard. You know me of old. and you know that what I say I ehall do, One way or another, your life or mine may hang on your answers to me--if necessaryr' Leonard felt himself pulled up. He knew well the strength and purpose of the man. and he felt as If there were danger in the air; danger real and close. With his fear came back. as in a half-forgo dream, the memory of the past hour. and in his distress thought to find ref uge in sort of bonhomie With a light laugh. which he felt to be. as 1t was. hollow, he answered:
 Well. schooimaster. as you are ask ing questions, I suppose may as well answer them. You seem to be putting into practice the old custom that we learned in school of appealing from Philip drunk to Philip sober. Go onl Ask your questions! Nextw Harold went on in the same calm, cold voice
 Who made the proposal of mar ringer"
 She did"
 Did Was 1t made at once and d. reetly, or after some preliminary sug- gestion?"
 After a bit. I didn't quite under stand at first what she was driving at" There was a long pause. With an ef- fort Harold went on:
 sDid you accept?' Leonard hesita- ted With a really wicked scowl he eyed his big, powerfully built compan- ion, who still had his hand as in a vice. Then seeing no resource, he an- swered;
 T did not! That does not uean that won't, thought" he added dehantly. To his surprise Harold suddenly re- leased his hand. There was a grim ness In his tone as he said:
 That will dol I know now that you have spoken the truth. sober as well as drunk. You need say no more I know the rest. I know 1t perhaps