The Holly chieftain., 1916-02-18


We'll. then We must fight II out
here il they come; you have your re-
voiver-ah! the squad is already be-
low; listen,"
We stood side by side, scarcely
breathing. close to the bolted door.
The flames of the burning stable were
dying down, yet there was sufficient
light to render every object in the
room plainly visible. Intent as l was
on every slight sound below and with
out. kept my eyes on Nichols, seated
cejectediy In one corner. Feet tramped
noisily back and forth in the lower
hall. and the sound of voices reached
US. the words indistinguishable. There
| was an echo of splintered wood. the
crash OF dishes, and loud laugh. The
fellows seemed to be looting the kitch-
en- and pantry. destroying whatever
they could not use. Suddenly there
arose sound of smashing glass at the
front of the house, and the tinkling of
piano as If some rough hand swept
across the keys. Noreen pressed
closer. lifting her eyes in appeal.
"They-they 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"
Il am afraid so-but you must not
lose your nerve. We shall have to
fght!"
Fight? yes; but what use!" and
| she grasped my arm with both hands.
IL would not be so afraid, only for
that man. cannot fall into his power.
l will kill myself first! You do not
know Anse Cowan; but do. would
rather die than have his hands touch
me. l hate and despise him; he IL an
! incarnate brute-and-and he is here
after met"
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. Il tell
you l 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
rife 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 uncontrollab BILE
| terror-by dread of Anse CSwan. A
hoarse. strange voice roared out an
order, seemingly from the very foot of
the stairs.
That's enough Of that, Samuels!
Here. take your men up above. Be
lively now, and don't let rat get
away"
| The girl lifted her head; then got to
her feet, clinging to the bedpost |
could see the glitter of pistol in her
hand. A thought swept through my
brain-so daring, SO reckless. l gasped
at the mere wildness of the sugges-
ton. Yet 1t 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-not
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 not
legally marry him. II she were once my
/, wife. Only the girl whose eyes just
then met mine
IL have thought Of one way" l
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 l can
see They-they are in the front
rooms now-hear them! We haven't
a moment to lose Win you-wiil you
consent to marry me?"
She shrank back step. staring at
me with wide-opened eyes. breathing
heavily.
Marry, marry your" she faltered
wildly. why what can you mean!
IL do not understand"
"Of course not-the conception ID
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 mott"
"Ye-es-but-"
This is no time to question. They
are coming here now. those fellow
with Anse Cowaa a. their head. Yor