The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1912-01-26
ca orders, IL 70 please"

He shuffled rapidly through his fin
gers six sheets of folded letter paper,
guiltless of single pen-scratch,
crump!ed them into a wad and threw
it from him.
he's conspiring to steal the Pool of
Flame and claim for himself the re.
ward? A bankrupt, discred.
tied, with nothing but his title ami
his fame as dfe!ist to give him
standing; is it wonderful that he's
grasping at any chance to recoup his
fortunes?" He took swift stride to-
ward the door. halted. turned. "And
young Glynn?" he demanded. "Was
he with Jou, and was he thick with
this precious rogue of vicomte?'
"They were much together"
Faith, then it's clear as window
glass that the two of them, both
broke, have figured cut this thing te-
tween them. Well and good!
want no more than a hint OF warn.
ing.
He was interrupted by a knocking.
With start and muttered exclama-
tioE he remembered Van Einem. and
stepped to the door and out into cor
ridor. shutting the woman in.
She remained where he had left
her, her pretty brows knitted with
thought, for a time abstractedly con-
scious of murmur OF voices in the
hallway. These presently ceased as
the speakers moved away. She turned
to one of the windows, leaning against
its frame and staring at the ominous
flicker and flare of sheet-lightning
which lent the night CHASTITY lumin-
osity.
A cool breeze sprang up, bellying
the curtains. The woman expanded TO
it, reviving in its fresh breath from
the enervating influence Of the even
ings still heat. Her intuitive facul-
ties began to work more vivaciously;
she began to divine that which had
been mysterious to her ere now.
The lightning grew more intense
and incessant, the thunder beating the
long roll of the charge. heavy
gust of air chill as death made her
SILVER. She shrank away from the
windows, a little awed. wishing for
ORourke's return. wondering what
had made him leave her so abruptly.
Then suddenly she knew.
She could have screamed with hor-
ror.
Almost simultaneously the door
slammed; her husband had returned.
With a little cry she flung herself
upon him, clinging to him. painting.
sobbing.
Tell me-" she demanded, what you
him-Des Trebes?"'
In the morning" he answered
lightly holding her tight and comfort
ing her. "'Tis unavoidable; l pro-
voked his challenge. He was obliged
to fight. But don't let that worry
ye-"
"Oh, my dear, my dear!" She
sobbed convulsively upon his breast.
Twill be nothing-hardly that; an
annoyance-no more. Believe me,
dear"
What can you mean"
THAT the man will never consent
to weapons worthy the name. He
values his precious hide too highly.
and he's not going to put himself in
the way of being injured when he has
the Pool of Flame to steal. Be easy
on that score, darling-and have faith
in me little. I'll not let him harm
me by SO much as a scratch"
"Ah, but how can | tell? {.
Dearest, my dearest, why not give 1t
up-not the duel alone, but all this life
of roaming and adventure that keeps
us apart? Am / not worth a little
sacrifice? Is my love not recon-
pense enough for the loss of your abb
solute independence? Listen, dear. I
have thought of something; 1 will
make you Independent. | will settle
upon you all that | possess. /"
Faith, and l know ye don't for an
instant think I'd dream of accepting
that"
But give it up. What is the worlds
esteem when you have me to love and
honor you? Come to me, Ter
ence. l need you'll need you desper-
ately. ! need the protection OF your
arm as well as your name. | need my
husband"
81 WILL" he said gently; Sweetheart.
I promise ye / within ninety days.
Give me that respite. give me that
time in which to make or break my
fortunes. Give me chance to take
the Pool of Flame to Rangoon-nay.
meet me there in ninety days. l will
come to you as one who has the right
to claim his wife; but II have lost.
still will / come to you, a broken man
but your faithful lover-come to you
to be healed and comforted.
Dear heart OF me, give me this last
chance!"
With an eldritch shrek and a
mighty rushing wind the storm broke