Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1914-11-19

81 want you to be to me what you
have been to Truitt."
And tiff refuse?"
Il have never yet told that l caught
Truitt and 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 this? / have no wish to be
brutal to you. Seeing you has turned my
head. But you will not-surely you
can not refuse" III
She dropped back into 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.
Will you-give that up?" Still in the
same broken whisper.
Even that. You are worth every
thing"
"And will you give me time-to send
him away-and never let him know"
1T 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 a voice behind
him.
Quinby whirled For long silent
minute the trio faced one another.
Then Mark, white of face, hands
working convulsively, went slowly to
the stupefed 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 CONTEMPORARY 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, "is trap"
"Set by yourself" Mark turned to
Kazia with helpless mirthless laugh.
What is my cue? Shall l kick him
down stairs--or spring his dirty trap7"
Let him CO." she answered list
lessly.
Mark shook his head. mot without
paying. He said" grimly, che was
willing to pay"
I'm not afraid of you," Quinby NUT
tered q feeble defiance. What can
you say of me that isn't true Of your"
"Ah!" Mark drew sharp whistling
breath. Quinby shrank back, his hands
going protectively to his aching throat.
Now you shall pay. You" He broke
off with gesture of disgust. 81 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 him!" 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
a coward as well as a fraud! But
knew that before This is too sick
ening. You'd better CO."
Quinby started again to go.
"Wait!"
Quinby waited.
you seem to be afraid Of Henley.
You have reason. Tomorrow at ten.
thirty you have an engagement to meet
him at his office-I have just made 1t
for both of you. At eleven will meet
him. You know best what Henley in
his present mood will do If he gets
wind Of your latest adventure In phi.
Now CO."
Quinby went. The next morning,
prompt on the hour, he kept his en-
gagement with Henley.
A weakness for epigrams has de-
feated more than one fair project
After discreet interval-long enough,
as he thought, for the interment of
the dead past-Jeremiah Quinby
sought to revive the archaeological