The Dolores star., 1912-08-16
CHAPTER xxxiA

CHAPTER xxxiA
a Threatened Marriage.
Fagin heard them coming and took
his boots from the table. and sat up
straight In his chair; the preacher
pushed his back until half concealed
behind the door; Grant never looked
around. Jones came into view FIRST.
and behind him walked Claire. her
cheeks flushed. her head held high. At
the door she paused, refusing to enter,
her eyes calmly surveying the occu.
pants.
You sent for me. sir" she said
coldly. MAY ask for what purpose!"
Even Fagin's cool impotence was IN
able to Withstand unmoved her beauty
parently he had never met her before.
for. with face redder than ever. he got
to his feet. half bowling. and STAN.
mering slightly.
MY name 10 Fagin, Mistress" he
said, striving to retain his accustomed
roughness. Il reckon you have heard
Of me-"
Il have" proudly. her eyes meeting
his, and. therefore, wonder what your
purpose may be in ordering me here.
wish to return to my father who re.
quires my services."
The guerilla laughed. now angered
By her manner.
well. ] thought I'd tell you who
was 20 you wouldn't try any high and
mighty business" he said coarsely.
and eying her fiercely. THAT amt the
sort o. thing that goes with me. an
yer amt the first one I've taken down
q peg or two. However. don't mean
you no harm. only you'd better behave
yourself. Yer know that man over
there. don't yer!"
He indicated with a nod Of the head,
and Claire glanced In that direction.
but without speaking.
swell. can't you answer?"
Il recognise Captain Grant. II that
IL what you mean"
Il was speaking English. wasn't I!
Yer ought to know him-yer engaged
ter him. amt vert"
Certainly not" Indignantly.
Grant turned about, his face witch
ing.
This II not my fault. Claire" he
exclaimed swiftly. Don't blame me
for II am also q prisoner. and help
less"
She never looked at him. never an.
swered. her entire attention concen.
trated on Fagin. who was grinnins
with enjoyment
That's sure right. young lady," he
said grimly. "The Captain 10 only
obeyin' orders ter save his own neck.
There's no love lost atween Us. let
me tell yer. But we're not 10 blame
merciless after all. an reckon. we've
got about all thar 10 In the house
worth cartin' away. Nov we're goin'
to have some fun. an leave two happy
hearts behind. Amt that II, Jones!
Ciinton's licked; Washington has his
hands full up north; an this hull
blame country 10 ours. Somewhere.
Mistress. I've heard tell that you an
this Captain was pretty thick-how 10
M"
Her eyes exhibited indignant sur.
prise. but. after an instant's hesita.
ton. her lips answered.
II hardly know what you mean. sir.
We were children together"
"An' engaged ter be married-ehf"
There was an Arrangement Of that
nature between our parents. But why
should this interest you,"
He ignored the question. but his
eyes hardened.
Il heard Il this way. You were en-.
gagged until . few weeks ago. Then
you met . damned Continental. q spy.
an imagined yer fell In love with him.
Now Dc yer know what interest i've
goti I'm with the Red-coats. an n
can turn = trick fer that side I'm
s.goin' ter do II. You1l be blessin' me
fer Il some day. Now. go here. sirl.
I'm a.soin' ter marry yer Oh bsfors
leavin' this HOUSE. ] reckon yer amt
intendin' 10 make 10 fuss about Il.
are yssf'
She did not appear to comprshsnd.
TO realise the man was n earnest: she
even smilsd slightly.
"is this some Joke. CIR. that fAii
10 graspf' she ashsd. "wili you aot
sxplsinfs
/. "Ezslaia lslli" ssa vssia ciappsd