Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-12-08

kOt tIOuDtS cuOuSu VIII tulS
on my hands"
II wish you had told me-" said EN-.
erson.
Wayne Wnyland was by no means
sure that Boyd would not make good
his threat to visit the yacht that even.
ing. and in any case he wished to be
prepared. A scene before the other
passengers Of .he Grnnde Dame was
not TO be thought Of. Besides. II the
young man were roughly handled II
would make him 4 martyr in Mildred's
eyes. He talked over the matter with
Marsh. who suggested that the sight
seers should dine ashore and spend the
evening with him ut the plant. With
only Mildred and her father left on
the yacht there would be no possibility
OF scandal. even II Emerson we're mad
enough to force an interview.
And what ia more" declared Mr.
Wnylnnd. II shall give orders TO clear
en- the high tide. That fellow Is a
menace. and the sooner Mildred is
away from him the better. You shall
go with us. my boy"
But when lie wen. TO Mildred to eA.
plain the nature Of Ilis arrangements
he found her in furious temper.
"Why did you announce my engage
ment to Mr.. Marsh" she demanded
angrily. THE whole ship is talking
about 1t. BY what right did you do
that?'
II did it for your own sake" said
the old man. This whelp Emerson
has made fool Of you and Of me long
enough. There must be an end TO it,"
But don't love Willis Marsh."
'he cried. you forget am Of age"
Nonsense. Willis is n Inc fellow.
fIe loves you. and he is the best bust
ness man for his years l hive ever
known. II it were not for this foolish
boy and girl affair you would return
his love. He suits me. and-wel
have put my foot down. so there's an
end Of IT,"
DO you intend to force me to marry
himT'
Mr. Wayland recognized the danger
signal.
/ Absurd. Take all the time you
wish You'll come around all right
That reprobate you were engaged to
leiied me and defended that woman"
! He told Of his stormy interview with
Boyd. concluding: ut Is fortunate we
found him out Mildred. have guarded
you all my life. have lavishcd every.
thing money could buy upon you.
have built up the greatest fortune In
all the west for you. have kept you
pure and sweet and goddard to think
that such fellow should dare Mr..
Wayland choked with anger. "The
one thing cannot stand in a man or
woman Is immortality. have lived
clean myself. and my son shall be as
clean as l."
Did you say that Boyd threatened
to come aboard this evening" cues
toned the girl.
Yes. But sworc that he should
not."
Then he'll come" said Mildred.
1t was twilight when Willis Marsh
was rowed out to the yacht. He found
Mr.. Wayland and Mildred seated In
deck chairs enjoying the golden sunset
while the old man smoked. Marsh ex-
planned that he had excused himself
from his guests TO 60 whittier his in
clination led him and drew his seat
close to Mildred, rejoicing In the fact
that no one could gainsay him this
privilege. Moreover. he had won the
unfaltering loyalty of Wayne Way
land, the dominant figure Of the west.
Nothing could keep him now from the
success his ambition demanded.
His complainant enjoyment was in
terrupted ut last by the approach Of
the second officer. who announced that
a lady wished to see Mr.. Wayland.
"A LADY," asked the old man In sur
prise.
Yes. sir. She came alongside in a
small boat just now with some natives
stopped her at the landing. but she
says she must see you at once"
"Ah, that woman again. Mr. Way
lands jaws snapped. Tell her to be-
gone. I refuse to see her."
VERY we'll. SIR" The mate turned,
but Mildred said suddenly:
wait! Why don't you talk to her,
father"
THAT creature? have nothing to
say to her."
Mildred leaned forward and called to
the ships officer: "Show her up. I will
see her"
Mildred, you mustn't talk to that
woman" her father cried.
ut Is very unwise." Marsh chimed in
apprehensively. "She isn't the sort Of
person.
Miss Wayland chilled him with a
look and waved the mate away, then
sank back into her chair.
II have talked with her already. I
assure you she is not dangerous"
Willis Marsh squlrmed uncomforta-
bly, In his seat. He fixed his eyes upon
the knot OF men ut the starboard rail.
Then. with a sharp indra wing of his
breath, he leaped up and darted down
the deck.
Over the side had come Cherry Ma
lotto. accompanied by an Indian girl
in shawl and moccasins-a slim,
shrinking creature who stood as II be-
wildered, twisting her hands and star
ing about with frightened eyes. Be-
hind them. head and shoulders above
the sailors. lowered a giant copper
hued breed with child In his arms.
They saw that Marsh was speaking
to the newcomers. but could not dis