The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-01-14

Here is the solution I offer you: Mary shall be the arbiter between us. For twelve months I shall not pre- vent you seeing her. For twelve months shall strive to win her love for myself. If, at the end of that time, the present position remains unchanged, I shall die by my own hand in such a way as to cast no shadow on her life. On the ether hand, should win her from you, you will die by your own hand also in such a way as to leave her undis- turbed.'
 Just for a second the speakers eyes flashed. It was the only sign fe gave. The next moment he went on in the same even tones.
 See, I have the details we'll thought out. The Wondergat is fif- teen miles from here, and about the same distance from Mafeking. The better. At certain depth an under ground river flows through it. This is the first of August. On the first of August next year a body falling into the water will at first sink. It will be caught in the tide, and, be- fore decomposition can set in, and the gases, generating, cause it to rise again, it will be swept into the under ground channel. The next opening above ground is at Blikfontein, forty miles south of here. The body will rise there, and so the necessary proofs of death by misadventure will be forthcoming. The thing will be simple and sure and unobtrusive You will accept it?'
 Guys pipe dropped from his mouth as he opened his lips to speak. He stopped, and the hand that picked if up was shaking.
 And the alernative?'
 In spite of himself there was a mortified expression in his dark eyes He was not like the other. The con- temptation of the harsh details filled him with nausea. Before Elwood re- piled he thrust a hand into his coal pocket and drew out a revolver which he laid upon his knees, hold ing the butt in hand which clutch ed it convulsively.
 "You will not see the light of an- other day"
 The man was revealed. Te last shred of restraint was torn from him as he felt the smooth butt of the weapon against the palm of his hand All his pent-up love for his young wife was aflame. His heart cried out to his brain to urge the finger SC lightly touching the trigger. His words were uttered with all the fierce hatred of a passionate, jealous fury and their force came upon theil nearer with overwhelming sudden. ness, and held him in a dumb fear.
 "Choose!"
 Guy tried to moisten his lips. They were parched, and felt as though they were cracking. He glanced al the revolver in the mans hand. He turned from it and looked up at his own up on the wall. Then he turned back and looked into his companions face. There was no mistaking the purpose he saw written there. H. was brave enough, but he knew tha resistance would be vain.
 Struggling his shoulders, he tried to speak lightly.
 "I accept"
 Swear it by all that you hold mos sacred."
 Just for a second an ironical smile hovered about the corners of Guy: mouth beneath his black moustache By Mary's love for me and min, for her!." he said slowly, his eye: glaring back in impotent defiance a the man who held his life in hi hand.
 There was a breathless pause. No did Guy Chalmer know how neal death was to him at that moment. And you shall fulfil the condition to the letter. Elwood said at last, al he returned his revolver his coa ! pocket.