The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-03-27

| it. You are too clever to imagine that I shall hand you the ruby, and, with a bow, say meekly, Here is what you demand; take it, good sir, with my blessingr I am not that sort of man. I warn you not to try me too far.'
 Dexter Reece rose and paced up and down.
 What is it worth?" he asked in a whisper.
 ''More than you will get,'' replied Raven. 'It is worth anything-a hundred, two hundred thousand pounds he added coolly; so coolly that Dexter Reece stopped in his pac- ing and stared at him. There are men in America who will give you any sum you ask.''
 'I agree,'' said Dexter Reece in a hoarse whisper.
 Raven spread out his hands with a comprehensive gesture.
 sI will get it," he said simply, ris- ing.
 "One moment" broke in Reece, stretching out hand that quivered with excitement. '"The girl? What about her!"
 Raven stopped, and looked over his shoulder in a sinister fashion.
 What about herr" he echoed. "She is my daughter-the daughter Of Count Carnivo. She will inherit my wealth; she will marry''-he shrugged his shoulders-"a nobleman of high rank, perhaps a prince. That is no concern of yours, my friend"
 Dexter. Reece held up his hand to stay him; then seated himself at the table and leant his head in his hands, as if he were considering some prob lem. Raven stood and looked at him, and a hand stole towards the dagger; but the hand fell to his side again, and he gave a little shrug of regretful resignation. Presently Dexter Reece took his hands from his face; he rais- ed his head, and regarded Raven steadily.
 "I can suggest a better plan," he said. You and I, Count-we will forget the Raven from this time forth-are partners. We sink or swim together. You are astute enough to know that; I acknowledge it. Let us draw the tie still closer. Will you do me the honour of accepting me as husband for your daughter
 Raven started, and stared at him. For moment Reeces audacity over- whelmed him; but presently his acute brain saw the advantages he would gain by such marriage. He had stolen Sir Mortimer's child on the i'm pulse of a moment; her presence had always been irksome. to him, and al- ways been a reminder of his crime; there had never been any affection between them; of late, since he had become possessed of the treasure, had grown rich, and developed into a man of position, he had come to regard her as an incubus. He mistrusted her, was suspicious of her, and felt it necessary to keep her prisoner. If he disposed of her to this man, who knew his secret, he would have a hold upon him; and she, if ever she learnt the truth respecting her birth. would shrink from proclaiming the knowledge which might send her hus- band to the gallows.
 The proposal, which had at first struck him as outrageous and far fetched, grew more plausible and ac- ceptable as he considered it. He went back to the table, and, leaning both hands upon it, regarded Dexter Reece with a sardonic> smile.
 "Goodv' he said. "I accept your proposal, MT. Reece. I will give you my daughters hand.'
 Reece nodded eagerly; then he laughed uneasily and bit his lip.
 "But she-she may refuse? You will consult herr" he stammered, his eyes falling before the dark ones smiling mockingly at him.
 Raven laughed, shrugged his shoulders, and waved his hand with an air of contempt and assurance.
 "You forget" he said, with a sinis- ter sheer. My daughter is an Italian. not an English miss who has to be consulted and humoured in the choice of her husband. We Italians are more sensible; it is the father who chooses the husband, the daughter who accepts gratefully