Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1916-07-27
CHAPTER XVIII,
Appleton Confronts Gordon.

please don't. You have been
very good and sweet to me,
butt She shook her dark head.
"You couldn't marry me-even if
cared for you in that way"
why? 1 intend to marry you
whether you want to or not"
"Oh, Dan, it wouldn't do! You know
about mother. I've nearly died of
shame, and it would be sure to come
up. Somebody would speak of it some
time"
Dams blue eyes went cold and
smoky as he said:
cit would take Il pretty brave person
to mention the subject in my presence.
I don't care a whoop for anything Cor
don or your family may say o II do"
There was a stir in the hall outside,
and the speaker turned to behold Cur.
tbs Gordon himself in the doorway.
The latter in passing had been drawn
by the sound Of voices and had looked
into the library, Recognizing Natalie's
caller. he frowned.
"What is this?" he inquired coldly.
ga proposal? Do 1 interrupt?"
"You do" said Dan; then, after a
pause, "Ill finish it when you leave"
Gordon entered and spoke to his
stepdaughter.
"What is this man doing in my
house?"
"He is here at my invitation" she
replied.
"Tell him to leave. 1 won't have
him here"
"Why don't you tell me?" cried Dan.
Il don't need an interpreter"
Young man, don't be rash. There is
a limit to my patience. If you have
the indecency to come here after what
you have done and after what your
sister has said about me, l shall GER.
tainly"-
Dan broke in roughly: 81 didn't come
to see you, Gordon. You may be an
agreeable sight to ONE people, but
you're no golden sunset in my eyes.
Eliza t1attered you"
Natalie gave a little terrified cry, for
the men were glazing at each other
savagely. Neither seemed to hear her
odd you read that article?"
Read it? I wrote it,
Gordon's face famed suddenly with
rage. He pointed to the door with
trembling fingers and shouted:
Get out! I'll not have you here.
discharged you once Get Quit" His
utterance was rapid and thick.
Dan smiled mirthlessly, dangerously.
In a soft voice he said:
II haven't finished proposing. 1 ex.
pect to be accepted. You'll pardon
me, I know"
evil you go, YOU
Dan turned to the girl, who after
that first cutlery had Stood as if spell
bound, her face pale, her eyes shining.
"Natalie, DEAR" he said earnestly,
"you can't live in the same house with
this beast. He's a cheat and a scoun-
drel. He's done his best to spoil your
life, and he'll succeed if you stay, 50
come with me now. Eliza loves you
and wants you, and I'll never cease
loving you with all my heart. Marry
me and Well co.
Gordon uttered IN inarticulate sound
and came forward with his hands
working hungrily.
Don't interrupt" warned Dan, owe
his shoulder, and his white teeth
cleaned in sudden contrast with his
tan. mo man could love you as I do,
dear Gordon's clutch fell upon him
and tightened. Dan stiffened, and his
words ceased. Then the touch upon
his flesh became unbearable. Whirl-
ing, he wrenched himself free. He
was like a wild animal now. Body
and spirit had leaped into rebellion at
contact with. Gordon. His long re-
sentiment burst its bounds. His lean
muscles quivered. His frame trembled
as if it restrained some tremendous
pressure from within.
Don't do that! he cried hoarsely
and brushed the sleeve where his n
my's fingers had rested as if it had
been soiled.
Gordon snarled and stretched out his
hand a second time, but the younger
man raised his fist and struck. Once,
twice, again and again he flung his
bony knuckles into that purple, dis
torted face. which he loathed as a
thing unclean. He battered down the
big mans guard; right and left he rain
ed blows. stepping forward as his VIC
tim fell back. Gordon reeled, he paw.
ed wildly, he swung his arms. but they
encountered nothing. Yet he was a
heavy man, and, although half stunned
by the sudden onslaught, he managed
to retain his feet until he brought up
against the heavy mahogany reading
table in the center Of the room. His
retreat ended there; another blow and