Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-01-13

'Then it Is about this Challoner af-
fair that you have come to see met"
he asked tactlessly. II warn you,
Shirley-don't! Hands off,
Shirley looked him In the face.
"Billy Murgatroyd, you've got to
help these people outv'
''If such a thing were possible, Shir-
ley, you're the one person to make me
10 it."
"You must do it." she persisted and
looked at him appealingly. "Of
course the man could not have been
himself"
Probably not" he said coldly. "But
Of one thing you may be sure-Chal-
Toner had purpose in all this
II suppose you realize that this thing
is going to kill Miriam Challoner?"
Shaking his head. Murgatroyd rose
and began to pace the floor. At last
he stopped directly in front of her
"Shirley"-it was surprising how
gentle his voice could be at times-"I
want you to realize the circumstances
Of this case, which you seem to have
forgotten. In the presence of several
people, including yourself, this man
has deliberately confessed to a pre-
meditated murder. A man in my Gus
tody is witness to the facts. No; If
Challoner were my brother or my ia
ther-more than that, if you were In
Challoners place today should have
to try you-convict you"
"But the condition that made him do
this thing was abnormal" she per-
sisted.
Like other men of his kind" re-
..:srned Murgatroyd. "Challoners de
cent at times; but. generally speaking.
he's irretrievably bad"
But can't you get him off in some
way? There are ways. and you know
it,"
Murgatroyd smiled grimly.
my dear girl. If l would do this
thing l couldn't shall go step
further. If could do it wouldn't
1 couldn't look you in the face if did
It,"
you're cruel" she cried. rising. az
ought not to have come. However,
have done what could for friend"
she flung back at him and started to-
ward the door.
Murgatroyd blocked her way.
No." he said good humoredly, not
the least disconnected by her parting
shot. Its my turn now. You have
attempted to corrupt me, swerve me
from my duty, and
"And wasted your time, suppose,
as you We're good enough to remind
me on previous OCCASION" she re-
turned, looking up saucily at him I'M
der her lashes.
Murgatroyd was quick to detect her
change of mood, saying:
"Wont you for the moment forget
the Challoners. Shirley? Be kind. You
give me little opportunity to see you
alone these days"
eff you're going to make love to me
in that awfully serious way of yours.
or, for that matter, in any. other way,
I'll CO." .ien
Aren't you going to marry me, Shir-
ley?" he demanded with characteristic
directness.
Same old story" laughed the girl
Eyes; this is the sixth time now
that I've asked you Again, will you
marry me?'
Don't be silly! This is hardly the
place, Billy q
II quite agree with you. But one
has to make the most Of opportunity
AS I said before, the occasions are all
too rare when find myself alone with
you. And unless you want me to keep
asking you speak the word now, Shir
ley Make me happy. You may as
we'll say it first as last, for Pm deter
mined to win you. Pm going to have
your he wound up energetically.
"Then why bother about my con.
sent? A smile lowered around hel
lips.
why do you persist in refusing
me?
Shirley flushed.
us it because of Thorne? Is he my
successful rival?' he ventured.
Shirley looked perturbed.
NO; It's not because of Thorne.
wish it were" And after moment
do you still want to know"
Yes; I've got to know, Shirley"
will you stay right where you are
if tell you?"
II promise" raising his right hand
half playfully.
well, then. it's because love you,
she said easily.
Murgatroyd sprang toward her.
"Shirley!"
The girl quickly waved him back.
Its because l love you or believe
that do that I shall never marry
you. l mean it,
But why?" he faltered.
| Shirley sighed unconsciously.
"It is time that l made myself plain
understood to you. not because you're
entitled to an explanation, but be
cause-well. because like you just {
bit"
A serious look was on her face. Sht
seemed suddenly to have changed
The thousand and one little manner
isms that were SO large part Of the
girls attractiv eness were all there, bu
the voice was no longer the mirthfu