The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1916-02-25

fellows seemed to be footing the kitch |
en- and pantry, destroying whatever
Ihey could not use. Suddenly there
arose a sound of smashing glass at the
'front.' OF the house, and the unkling OF
a piano as if some rough hand swept
across the keys Noreen pressed
closer, lifting her eyes in appeal.
"Ihey-they are searching the
mouse, 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"
am afraid so-but you must not
lose your nerve. We shall have to
fgnt!"
right? yes: but what use?" and
she grasped my arm with both hands.
II would not be so afraid. only tor
that man. ! cannot fall into his power
| VIII Kill myself first You do not
Know Anse Cowan; but do. would
rather die than have his hands touch
me. ] hate and despise him: be is an
incarnate brute-and-an he is 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. 81 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 do"
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 reared out an
order, seemingly from the very foot OF
the stairs
That's enough Of that, Samues'
Here, take your men up above. Be
lively now, and don't let a rat get
away"
The girl lifted her head; then got to
he's 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. | gasped
at the mere wildness of the sugges.
ton Yet it might answer; 1t 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-nUt
another chance. This might not be
one-yet 1t would surely serve 10 de.
lay; It would place me in between
her and Anse Cowan She could not
legally marry him. II she wera once my
wife! Only the girl whose eyes just
then met mine
IL have thought Of one way"
said eagerly the words coming forth
almost incoherent. THAT Is II you will
listen to what propose. There is
nothing else feasible so far as | eau
see. They-they are In the front
rooms now-hear them! We haven't
a moment to lose Will you-will you
consent 10 marry me?"-
She shrank back a step, staring al
me with wide-opened eyes. breathing
heavily
Marry! marry you?" she falteret
wildly. why what can you meant
Il do not understand"
"Of course not-the conception Ii
wild, impractical. perhaps, 1t must
seem so to you-yet listen. 1t is the
one way left open to save you from
Anse Cowan You can trust me? You
do trust me, do you not?"
"Ye.es-but-"
This is no time to question. They
are coming here now. those fellows
with Anse Cowan their head You
know what for The question Is no.
do you wish to marry me; but do yoI
trust me more than you do Anse Cow
an? Listen! II will be form only
lam not conceited enough to believe yot
desire me for your husband. But yol
know who | am; you have confidence
( my honor He cannot marry you
= II you are already my wife"
"He-he could kill you
Eyes. there are enough Of them
but that might happen anyway NJ
, doubt it would, for otherwise ! shoul'
fight to the end. | do not think beinl
, your husband will add in the least Il
: my danger-and it will possibly le
gally, protect you"
) But how can |? Will it be legal?
"Noreen don't stop to argue, o
doubt" urged. grasping her hand II
I eagerness. we haven't time. Lister
: to those voices IN the hall! OF cours
Na 49,