The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1914-12-04

thatf You lay In the hollow Of m
hand. With breath could have dc
stroyed your reputation. But I KEEP
silence, advanced your interests,
held you tenderly in my heart. Won
an, you have bewitched me. wan
you"
Hanka understood at least his las
words and she understood his tone
She crept closer and through the cracl
OF the sitting room door saw Kazis
elude Quinby's outstretched arms.
At the same moment she heard .
hating step on the stairway. She
opened the outer door and went oul
to meet Mark Truitt, whispering OK
citedly TO him In Polish. When he
astcnished by her appearance and
emotion, would have spoken, she
ciapped q hand over HIS mouth, and
clutching him by a sleeve, drew him
into the hall. She pointed through the
crack.
Again Quinby reached toward Kazia
and ngain she recoiled.
.Don't-don't touch me-"
why do you rebuff me? You're not
an ignorant child. You must have
known what my interest In the hos,
pitai and In you this year has meant
You wouldn't have taken my help un-
less you we're willing TO give me what
I want"
What 10 it--what is II you want?'
Il want you to be to me what you
have been TO Truitt"
And tiff refuse?"
i have never yet told that caught
Truitt and a sun-browned woman alone
in an Ottawa hotel under circum-
stances--I have no reason to love him.
] have refrained from telling only for
your sake. why do you force me
TO say thisf have no wish to be
brutal to you. Seeing you has turned my
head. But you will not--surely you
can not refuse"
She dropped back into q chair, COW
ering her face with her hands. When
she looked up, she wore again the
strange rapt expression.
You said" she whispered chok-
ingly, you said--you would pay"
Yes, yes'" he cried eagerly.
You are trying to rob Mark Truitt
Ito force him out OF the company.
WIN you--give that up7" Still In the
same broken whisper.
Even that. You are worth every
thing"
And will you give me time--to send
him away never let him known"
IT is for you to make conditions.
All! my dear"
In triumph Quinby stepped toward
her and bent over to take her hand
Don't do that" said voice behind
him.
Quinby whirled. For long silent
minute the trio faced one another.
Then Mark, white of face, hands
working conyulsively, went slowly to
the stupetied Quinby, who seemed
turned to stone. He did not resist
even when Marks hand leaped up
and caught him cruelty by the throat.
He was pressed back until his back
met the wall. The grip frightened.
Quinby's face grew purple. He
squirmed and tried to cry out. but only
a hoarse gurgle resulted.
Kazia came to herself. She sprang
to her feet and caught Marks arm,
breaking his grip
Don't hurt him. He's not worth
It."
Gently, without taking his eyes from
Quinby, Mark freed his arm from her
clasp. But he did not touch Quinby
again. The first murderous impulse
died. He turned contemptuousIy away
from him.
Quinby, released from the cruel hand
and eyes. started across the room.
Mark whirled upon him once more.
"Stop!"
Quinby stopped. This" he said
weakly. lis a trap"
set by yourself" Mark turned to
Kazia with a helpless mirthless laugh.
What Is my cue? Shall | kick him
down stalrs--or spring his dirty trap?"
Let him co." she answered list
lessly.
Mark shook his head. Not without
paying. He said" grimly, che was
willing to pay"
I'm not afraid or YOU" Quinby NUT.
tered feeble defiance What can
you say OF me that isn't true of your"
"Ahl" Mark drew sharp whistling
breath. Quinby shrang back. his hands
going protectively to his aching throat.
Nov you shall pay. You" He broke
of with gesture of disgust. Il find
I've no stomach for blackmail Just
now. I'll telephone Henley to come
over. He'll know how to handle this
situation"
Then Quinby was indeed fear-struck.
He clutched Marks arm tightly. Don't
tell himl" he quavered. I'VE can set
tie this ourselves. | didn't really in.
tend TO force you out OF the company.
only toto brighten you little"
Mark jerked his arm free. so you're
coward as well as fraudl But
knew that before This is too sick
ening. You'd better go"
Quinby started again TO go.
Watt"
Quinby waited.
ssVat, aaar, ~ ha aFraRa - ~,