Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-10-26

mer is over: probably I shall leave
here within q week." he said, bending
toward her. His glance dwelt on her
face and the plant lines OF her figure,
and his senses swan. Since their first
meeting the girls beauty had haunted
and allured him; with his passionate
sense Of life he was disposed to these
violent fancies, and he had a master
full way with women just as he had a
masterful way with men. Now how
ever he was aware that he was
viewed with entire indifference. His
vanity, which was his whole inner
self, was hurt, and from the black
depths of his nature his towering ego
tism flashed out lawless and perverted
impulses. IT must tell you that ] am
not Of your sort, Miss Malroy-' he
continued hurriedly. "My people were
plain folk out Of the mountains. For
what l am I have no one to thank but
myself. You must be aware OF the pre-
JUDGES of the planter class, for It IS
your class. Perhaps I haven't been
quite frank at the Barony-I felt like
It was asking too much when you were
there That was a door I didn't want
closed to mel
II imagine you will be welcome at
Belle Plain. You are Toms friend"
Murrell bit his lip, and then laughed
as his mind conjured up a picture OF
the cherished Tom. Suddenly he
reached out and rested his hand on
hers. He lived in the shadow of chance
not always kind, his pleasures were In
toxicating drafts snatched in the midst
OF dangers and here was youth, sweet
and perfect, that only needed awaken
ing
''Betty-if might think" he be-
gan, but his tongue stumbled. His love.
making was usually of a savage sort,
but some quality in the girl held him
in check The words he had spoken
many times before forsook him. Betty
drew away from him, an angry color
on her cheeks and an angry light in
her eyes. Forgive me, Betty" NUT
tered Murrell, but his heart beat
against his ribs. and passion sent its
surges through him. Don't you know
what I'm trying to tell your he whfs-
pered. Betty gathered up her reins.
mot yet" he cried, and again he
rested a heavy hand on hers, Don't
you know what's kept me here? It was
waiting for this chance to speak. 1t
was long time coming, but it's here
nowLand it's mine!'' he exuhed, His
eyes burned with luminous fire, he
urged his horse nearer and they came
to halt. Look here-Ill. follow you
north swear love you-say
may"
Let me go-let me go.', cried Betty
Indignantly.
"No--not yeti" he urged his horse
still nearer and gathered her close.
you've got to hear me. I've loved you
since the first moment | rested my
eyes on you-and, by God. you shall
love me in return" He felt her
struggle to free herself from : grasp
with sense Of savage triumph 1t was
the brute force within him that con-
uuered with women just as it con-
quered with men.
Bruce Darlington, on his way back
to Fayetteville from the Forks, came
about turn in the road. Betty cav a
tall, handsome fellow in the first flush
of manhood. Darlington, an angry
girl, very beautiful and very indignant,
struggling in mans grasp.
At sight OF the newcomer Murrell,
with an oath, released Betty, who,
striking her horse with the whip, gal
loped down the road toward the
Barony AS she fled past Darlington
she bent low in the saddle.
Don't let him follow mel" she
gasped. and Darlington, striding for
ward, caught Murrell's horse by the
bit
& mot so fast, you." he said coolly.
The two men glared at each other for
a brief instant.
"Take your hand off my horse' ex-
claimed Murrell hoarsely, his mouth
hot and dry with sense Of defeat.
Cant you see she'd rather be
alone?' said Darlington.
LET got" roared Murrell, and a
murderous light shot from his eyes.
II don't know but should pull you
out Of that saddle and twist your
neck.'' said Darlington holly. Muir
rell's face underwent a swift change.
You're a bold fellow to force your
way into a lovers quarrel" he said
quietly. Carrington's arm dropped at
his side. Perhaps, after ALL 1t was
that Burrell thrust his hand into his
pocket. 81 always give something to
the boy who holds my horse" he said,
and tossed a coin in Carrington's
direction. "There-take that for your
pains" he added. He pulled his horse
about and rode back toward the cross
roads at an easy canter.
Darlington, with an angry flush on
his sunburnt cheeks, stood staring
down at the coin that glinted in the
dusty road, but he was seeing the face
OF the girl, indignant. beautiful--then
he glanced after Murrell.
Il reckon ought to have twisted his
neck" he said with deep breath.
CHAPTER VI
Bruce Darlington came OF a west
ward-looking race. From the low coast
where they had first settled, those Of
him name had followed the rivers to
their headwaters. The headwaters
had sent them forth toward the foot
hills, where they made their clearings
and built their cabins in the shadow
of the blue wall that for time
marked the furthest goal of their de-
sires. But only for time. Crossing
the mountains they found the head
waters once more, and following the
J.