Rocky Ford enterprise., 1915-09-17

nelQ you tenQerly In my neart. Wom-
an. you have bewitched me. want
you"
Hanka understood at least his last
words and she understood his tone.
She crept closer and through the crack
of the sitting room door saw Kazia
elude Quinby's outstretched arms.
At the same moment she heard a
halting step on the stairway. She
opened the outer door and went out
to meet Mark Truitt, whispering eI-
citedly to him in Polish. When he.
emotion, would have spoken, she
clapped 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 again 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
pital and in you this year has meant
You wouldn't have taken my help un-
less you were willing to give me what
want"
what is it-what is 1t you want?"
81 want you to be to me what you
have been to Truitt."
"And if-if ! refuse?"
81 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. I-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"
She dropped back into a 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
to 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 known"
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 a 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 Mafk's 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 contemptuously 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 trap"
"Set by yourself" Mark turned to
Kazia with a helpless mirthless laugh.
What is my cue? Shall ! kick him
down stairs-or spring his dirty trap?"
Let him CO." she answered list
lesely.
Mark shook his head. Not without
paying. He said." grimly. 'he was
willing to pay"
I'm not afraid of you." Quinby NUT
tered feeble defiance What can
you say of me that isn't true of your"
"Ah!" Mark drew a sharp whistling
breath. Quinby shrang back. his hands
going protectively to his aching throat
Now you shall pay. YOU" He broke
of with a 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
Then Quinby was indeed fearstruck
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 to-to frighten you little"
Mark jerked his arm free. $50 you're
a coward as well as 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.