Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1914-06-18
THE NE'ER-DO-WELL
ROMANCE OF THE PANAMA CANAL
REX BEACH
Copyright 1910. 1911. by Harper & Brother

Co
morning there arrived an American
officer Of police to arrest him on other
charges. He Is thief. it seems. hav-
ing stolen $4,000 gold from his en-
ployers. Oh. there is no mistake.
Within the hour have been talking
With this detective and he has the
papers Of proof. Is not that enough?"
1T is. indeed" gusped the father.
"But 1t Is not true" maintained the
girl simply. and her eyes were as
stendy as altar flames. "Take me to
him. please. must go at once to the
carcel."
But he only answered her with q
stare Of amazement. Co" be muir
INJURED. after IN Instant. Hive l lost
my sensesr'
Yes. must go. for he is my hus-
band. We were wed last night"
mother Of God" the banker ejacu-
lated hoarsely, and sank into the seat
from which he had arisen Ramon
was staring from one to the other. his
head turning jerkily.
'Oh, yesl The Judge from Colon
married Us during the dance. would
have liked church wedding. but that
will come later. The Senior Ronnels
and his wife were there ALSO and thcy
Will tell you. 1t made me very happy"
Her face was TRANSPORTED by look
that left the. two men no choice but
% believe.
"a civil marriage!' stammered Ra.
mon.
"A civil marriage. indeed" said Gar
avei In choking voice. $50 that Is
where you were when believed you
TO be dancing! But l will not have
Il, understand! You are betrothcd.
You have given your word to Ramon"
"Ah. but never loved him. You
compelled me to consent because you
said you could not he president unless
I married him. And that was not so.
Ramon deceived you. Now it is all
right. You will be president, and ! can
be happy"
Ramon's suspicion kindled on the IN
slant. He turned upon the banker.
$50 I begin to see! That was trick.
then, to betray my father"
"But wait! Gertrudis exclaimed
sharply. ibid you not trick us also?
Did you not use the general, your ia
ther, to make me give up the man !
love7 Which Of us. then, is the bet
terri
Andres Garavel spoke threateningly
menacingly, to his daughter.
at was no marriage, and 1t will not
stand. I will have it annulled. The
man was a criminal, fugitive. even
when he forced you to marry
mo, no! You cannot do that. II
was who asked him to marry me-.
The girl lied TREMENDOUSLY, panic
stricken at the threat. Before God,
am bis wife," she maintained. "And
II this marriage has a flaw then will
stand beside the prison gates and re
marry him as he comes FORTH"
"He will not come forth" Ramon de
elared harshly.
.4Oh. yes! And now will you take me
to him7'
"No!' her father beloved. "You arc
my daughter, you are under my roof
and here you shall stay until you give
up this madness and this man. for
bid you to go near him. Come! Dc
you promise7" She inclined her dark
head. II must learn more of this at
fair at once. You will find your senses
miss, or II you do not you will spend
your life In meditation and prayer
that much promise you"
II do not wish to enter convent
she said, with white lips. 81 wish t.
be happy. When Keerk is free shal
20 to him. Now. II you please. !
think shall go away" She turnet
and went out Of the big high ceilingef
room, and not until she had reached
the hail did her feet waver or he1
head droop.