The independent-reporter., 1910-02-10
CHAPTER XVI.

- hour OF preparation. III
come to point where something's got
to be done" He got that far and then
turned quite purple. His collar seemed
to be choking him. "If what Mr..
Chase says is true, we've got a pre-
cious short time to live. Well, we've
we've concluded to get all we can
out OF the time that's left. my lord.
80 I've come to ask II 1t will be all
right with you and her ladyship, sir.
We don't want to do anything that
would seem forward and out Of place,
SIR"
ITS very considerate of you. Saun-
ders, but what the devil are you talk
ing aboutY'
"Miss-Miss Pelham and have de-
cided to get-er-get married before It
Is too late"
Deppingham stared hard for a mo-
ment and then grinned broadly.
you mean before you dieT
That's It exactly, my lord. Haw.
haw! 1t would be bit late. wouldn't
It, If we waited till afterward. Haw.
haw! Splendid So l have come to
ask If you think 1t will interfere with
your arrangements if-if we should be
married tonightT'
"Pm sure, Saunders. that 1t won't
discommode me In the least" said bis
lordship genially. "By all means,
Saunders, let 1t be tonight. for to-
marrow wo NAV diQo
"Will you kindly speak to her lady
ship, sir?"
"Gladly. And I'll take 1t as an honor
II you will permit me to give away
the BRIDE"
"Thank you my lord" cried Saun.
ders. his face beaming. His lordship
shook hands with him. whereupon bis
cup Of happiness overflowed. notwith-
standing the fact that his honeymoon
was likely to be Of scarcely any du-
ration whatsoever.
The wedding took place that night In
the little chapel. Chase deliberately
took possession of the princess after
the hollow wedding supper had come
to an end. Her mood had changed.
Now she was quite at ease with him.
The taunting CLEAN in her eyes pre-
saged evil moments for his peace Of
mind.
"Tm inspired" he said to her. "a
wedding always inspires me-"
"It's very strange that you've never
married." she retorted. She was strid-
ing freely by his side. confident in her
power to resist sentiment with mock
cry.
"Will you be my wife?' he asked
abruptly. She caught her breath be-
fore laughing tolerantly and then look
ed into his eyes with a tantalizing In
genuOusness.
"By DO MEANS" she responded. II
am not oppressed by the same views
that actuated Miss Pelham. You see.
Mr. Chase. | am quite confident that
we are not to die In two weeks"
II could almost wish that we could
die In that time" he said.
"How very diabolicalr'
ut may seem odd to you. but I'd
rather see you dead than married to
Prince Karl" She was silent He
went ON. would you consent to be my
wife II you felt In your heart that we
should never leave this islandT
II think shall go in, Mr.. Chase"
she said. with warning shake of her
head.
"Don't. pleased I'm not asking you
to marry me II we should leave the
island. You must give me credit for
that" he argued whimsically.
"Ah, see." she said. apparently very
much relieved. "You want me only
With the understanding that death
should be quite close at hand to relieve
you. And II l were to become your
wife, here and now. and we should be
taken from this dreadful place-what
thenr'
"You probably would have to 60
through a long and miserable career
as plain Goodwifs Chase" be ex.
planned.
III 1t will make you any happier" :"
she said. with smile In which there
lurked q touch Of mischievous triumph.
II can say that | might consent to
marry you II we're not 20 positive
that l with leave the island soon. You
seem to forget that my uncie's yacht
II to cali here. even though your cruis-
ers win not"
.I'll risk even that" he maintained
stoutly.
She stopped suddenly, her hand upon
his arm.
do you really love mer she de-
manded earnestly.
with all my soul. swear to you."
be replied. staggered By the abrupt
change in her manner.