Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1914-10-07
spell. They were in the middle Q. the

She began to talk IN q voice SO catn
and ironical that the words seemed to
strike slowly like clock.
"You have become lows beast and
coward. Once thought you prince
ly man. and put In your hands not
alone myself. but my INTERCHANGEABLE
because | loved and trusted you. You
have sold the business ! gave you. the
house. all. and intend to leave me pen
niless with little chiid-'
As though wearied OF the affair, be
turned to pick up bis cane and hat
wait" she cried imperiously. "You
shall not leave this room until have
what belongs to me-"
"And what Is thatY'
He turned and approached her as a
leering bully. with quick step In the at
titude OF attack.
He expected that she would cringe
but there was that intimidating ex-
preston to her eye which he did not
like, and she seemed SO utterly I'M
afraid Of him. so different from what
she always had been heretofore
This enraged him and he glowered
at her, but he was coward. and he
saw the glitter Of steel In her white
hand.
She approached him. and he stepped
back uncertainly-he did not know!
what coward you are! You can
bully defenseless woman. but when
the odds are about even for me you
back up-lily iivered Even some brutes
are fearless"
You're mad. Mabel. know you
wouldn't dare use that IN your hand.
and won't let You stop my going"
Il do not intend TO stop you wouldn't
care TO. II you wish to CO.
She smiled sardonicaily and asked
him quite easily to be seated She
said that there were still some matters
to be settled.
He sat down reluctantly, as though
compelled. and replied gruffly:
Hurry up about II, will your
do you Intend to leave me pennl-
less? suppose the law allows You
to keep what I have given you New
ertheless ! want II back"
II haven't got the money with me.
but I'll make arrangements in the
morning to have some funds paid over
to you. I intended to do It anyway.
but It must be bargain that you
viii not interfere with my plans. When
I get away You can whistle all you
want"
II won't move my hand to bother
your plans. | want all of that money
before you leave this room"
II haven't got 1t. | told you"
He shrugged and turned TO go.
You forget" she remarked casually.
how on my fathers ranch used to
show that could shoot-a little7
Could be so foolish as to fear anything
now? You shall not leave the rooml
| viii stand back by the folding doors
and wait for Eve minutes, then you
will know that / have not lost my
accuracy unless you do as I say"
She walked unconcernedly to the
portieres.
He was impelled to spring upon her,
but he knew full well how quick and
alert she was and that her nonchal-
ance was only assumed.
He realized that she was desperate
and a fearless. intrepid woman. He
gagged her slyiy as she leaned against
the portieres. head bowed. looking at
the tiny watch In her hand.
He moved. She did not notice. He
half rose. yet seeming to sit; yawned.
He gained confidence; took out his
handkerchief.
He suddenly took the step, and-her
arm was raised before he had left
his chair!
He groaned as though wounded.
sprang aside. stumbled and fell
The lid Of the watch snapped ON
inously. She placed the watch In her
belt. stepped between the portieres.
her right hand in the folds of her
dress. and threw herself into a pro
fessional pose
He had risen. his face blanched with
physical fear.
She leaned slightly forward He
shrieked:
Don't don't Mabele'
Zone. two"
Here" he gasped. and tossed at her
large pocketbook which be had
drawn from his breast pocket.
She rested on knee on the floor and
with her free hand examined the con.
tents.
There were many bills. She counted
them.
Il want the rest Of It"
There Is no more"
She laughed stridently.
''It's true. Everything has gone to the
dogs: you have what was saved from
the wreck"
Take Off your coat" she com
handed
He did so.
Your waistcoat"
He hestitated-then spoke.