Putnam patriot., 1916-09-15

Gordon snarled and stretched out his hand second time, but the younger man raised his fist and struck Once, twice. again and again he .ung his bony knuckles into that purple. dis tartel face, which he loathed as thing uuclean He battered down the Jig 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 heavy man, and, although half stunned by the saddeu onslaught. he managed to retain bis feet until he brought up against the heavy mahogany reading table in the center of the room. His retreat ended there; another blow and his knees buckled, his arms sagged. Then Dan summoned all his strength and swung. Gordon groaued, lurched forward ane sprawled upon the warm red velvet carpet. face down, with his limbs twisted under him.
 His vanquisher stood over him for an instant, then turned upon Natalie face that was now keen and cruel and predatory.
 Come. We'll be married today" he said. And. crossing swiftly, he took her two hands in his. His voice was harsh and imperative. He's down and out, so don't be frightened. Now, hur- ry! I've had enough of this nonsense"
 T-I'm not frightened" she said dazedly. "But-I"- Her eyes roved past him as if fin quest of something.
 Here. Thisll dc for wrap" Dan
 whipped his fur overcoat from chair and flung it about her My hat tool!
 He crushed 1t over her dark hatr and
 slipping his arm about her shoulders, urged her toward the hall.
 Mother! She'll never'-
 @well call on her together. I'll do the talking for both of us" He Jerked the front door open with a force that threatened to wrench it from It's hinges and thrust his companion out into the bracing cold. Then, as Gordon's Japa- nese butler came running from the rear of the house he turned. . Hey. your' he cried sharply. "Ine boss has gone on a little visit. Don't stumble over him. And tell Mrs. Cor
 don that Mir and Mrs. Appleton will call on her in few days-Mr. and Mrs Dan Appleton of Omar!' It was but a few steps to the pier | Dan felt that be was treading on air, for the fierce. unreasoning joy of pos session was surging through his veins His old indecision and doubt were gone, and the men he met recoiled before his hostile glance. staring after him In be | wilderment
 Rut as he lifted Natalie down into the launch he felt her shaking violent | ly. and of a sudden his selfish exulta- tion gave way to tender solicitude. There, therer' he said gently. Don't cry. honey. It's all right It's all right"
 She raised her face to his, and his | head swan. for he saw that she was | radiant
 I'm not crying; I'm laughing. T. I'm mad-insane with happiness. 1 He crushed her to him. He buried his face in her neck, mumbling her
 name over and over. And neither of them knew that he was rapturously kissing the eoonskiR collar of his own 1 great coat The launchman. motor
 crank in hand. paused staring. He
 was stiH open mouthed when Dan
 catching sight of him. shouted:
 @What's the matter, idiotf Is your | back brokens"
 .Yes-uo. sirt' The fellow spun the l avwheel vigorously The little crar becan to vibrate and quiyer and then | swung out from shore
 A moment later and the engfnemen Il
 yelled. He came stumbling ior"alu ] and seized the steering wheel as ehe l tuaar sragai h'snw