The Red Cloud chief., 1915-10-28

they could not use. Suddenly there
arose sound OF smashing glass at the
front OF the house. and the tinkling OF
piano as II some rough hand swept
across the keys. Noreen pressed
closer, lifting her eyes In appeal.
"They--thcy are searching the
house." she whispered. her voice shak.
Ing. "and-looting It. DO you hear
that? They are even tearing the car.
pet from the floor Some of them will
come up here"
II am afraid so-but you must not
lose your nerve We shall have to
fght!"
Fight? yes: but what user and
she grasped my arm with both hands.
IL would not be so afraid. only for
that man. cannot fall into his power.
! will kill myself first! You do not
know Anse Cowan; but do. I would
rather die than have his hands touch
me. ] hate and despise him; he is an
incarnate brute-and--and he Ii here
after mel"
Hush" urged. holding her tightly.
her slight form trembling. DO not let
go yet: they may not even come up
the stairs"
But they, will" she insisted. II tell
you ! know the man He-he swore
he would marry me two years ago; he
told me so. and laughed at him. He
stopped my father on the road. held a
rifle to his head. and boasted that some
day he would make me pay his debts.
This is no mere incident OF war--it is
revenge! IL would not be frightened
but for that--that awful alternative.
Tell me-tell me what to dol"
She stared pleadingly into my face.
but. reading no answer there to her
wild appeal. sank to her knees. and
buried her face In her hands. All that
was strong about the girl seemed
swept away by sudden uncomfortable
terror-by dread OF Anse COwan. A
hOarse. strange voice roared out an
order. seemingly from the very foot of
the stairs.
That's enough Of that. Samueis! !
Hero. take your men up above. BE
lively now. and don't let q rat get
away"
The girl lifted her head: then got to
her feet. clinging to the bedpost.
could see the glitter of a pistol In her
hand. A thought swept through my
brain-so daring. SO reckless. I gasped
at the mere wildness of the sugges
ton. Yet II might answer; It might
succeed! But would she consent: even
in her desperation. In the extreme OF
her terror. would she grasp at such a
straw? There was nothing else-no,
another chance. This might not be
one-yet 1t would surely serve to de
lay: 1t would place me In between
her and Anse Cowan. She could moi
legally marry him. II she were once m,
wife! Only the girl whose eyes JUS
then met mine
IL have thought of one way"
said eagerly. the words coming forti
almost incoherent. THAT is II you will
listen to what propose. There Il
nothing else feasible so far as | cal
see. They-they are In the from
rooms now-hear them! We haven
moment to lose VIII you-will yo,
consent to marry me?"
She shrank back a step. staring a
me with wide-opened eyes. breathin
heavily.
Marry! marry your" she faitere
wildly. "Why what can you mean!
IL do not understand"
"Of course not-the conception
wild. impractical. perhaps. 1t mus
seem so to you--yet listen. 1t is tn
, one way left open to save you fror
Anse Cowan You can trust mef Yo
do trust me. do you notH"
"Yees-but-"
This is no time to question. The
are coming here now, those fellow
with Anse Cowan a their head, Yo
know what for. The question is NJ
do you wish to marry me: but do yo
trust me more than you do Anse Gov
an? Listen! II will be q form only
: am not conceited enough to believe yo
}. desire me for your husband. But yo
! know who | am: you have confidenG
T. my honor. He cannot marry yo
II you are already my wife"
y "He-he could kill YOU"
Yes, there are enough of then
but that might happen anyway \
Z doubt 1t would, for otherwise l shou
: fight to the end. do not think beir
o your husband will add In the least
y my danger-and II will possibly.
IS gally, protect you"
- But how can |? win 1t be legal"
"Norecn. don't stop to argue.
doubt" | urged, grasping her hand
1t eagerness. I'VE haven't time. List'
e. to those voices in the hall! OF cour
O. 1t will be legal-Nichols is an ordain
minister, and no license is required
~ shall never attempt to hold yC
r. Noreen, and any court will set y
re- free the moment you tell the stoi
At The one. the only thing. for you to &C
le slider now, Is escape from Anse Co
as an
b. You do this toto save me?"
L.. Sol l..lA