The state herald., 1916-07-07

they could not use. Suddenly there
arose sound Of smashing glass at the
front Of the house. and the tinkling Of
= plano as II 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 door. Some Of them will
come up here"
Il am afraid so-but you must not
lose your nerve. We shall have to
Hght!"
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.
I will kill myself arst! You do not
know Anse Cowan: but I do. I would
rather die than have his hands touch
me. I hate and despise him: he IL an
incaruate brute-and-and he 10 here
after met"
"Hush." urged. holding her tightly.
her slight form trembling. do not let
90 yet: they may not even come up
the stairs."
but they WILL" she insisted. Il 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 .
rife to his head. and boasted that some
day he would make me pay his debts.
This 10 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 dot"
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 uncontrollable
terror-by dread Of Anse Cowan. A
hoarse. strange voice roared out an
order. seemingly from the very foot q
the stairs.
That's enough Of that. samuels!
Here. take your men up above. Be
lively now. and don't let q rat get
away"
Tho girl lifted her head: then got to
her feet. clinging to the bedpost- I
could see the glitter Of pistol In her
hand. A thought swept through my
brain-so daring. 90 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
strawf There was nothing else-not
another chance. This might not bs
one-yet It would surely serve TO d.
lay: II 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" I
said eagerly. the words coming forth
almost incoherent THAT 10 II you wilt
listen to what propose. There IL
nothing else feasible 70 far a. I can
see. They-they are In the front
rooms now-hear them! We haven't
= moment to lose win you-will you
consent to marry mel"
She shrank back Q step. staring at
me with wide-opened eyes. breathing
heavily.
Marry! marry your" she faltered
wildly. why what can you meant I
II do not understand"
"Of course not-the conception 10
wild. impractical. perhaps. It must
seem SO to you-yet listen. II 10 the
one way left open to save you from
AnSs cowan. You can trust msf You
do trust mo. do you notf"
"Ye.es-but-"
This ID no time to question. They
are coming here now. those fellows
with Anse Cowaa o their head. You
know what for The question 10 not
do you wish to marry me: but do you
trust me more than you do Anse Cow.
AM Listen! II will be 4 form only-i
am not conceited enough n believe you
desire me for your husband. But you
know who am: you have confidence
L. my honor. He cannot marry you
II you are already my wife"
"He-he could kill you"
"Yes. there are enough Of them:
but that might happen anyway No
doubt II would. for otherwise I should
tight to the end. do not think being
your husband will add In the least To
my dsnger-and II will possibly. is-
gally. protect you"
But how can II win II bc iegaif"
"Norcen. don't stop to argue. or
doubt" ! urged. graspinS her hand In
cngerncss. I'VE haven't time. Listen
to those voices In the hall! OF course
Il will be iegai--Nichols Ia an ordained
minister. and no license Ii required. 1
shall never attempt TO hold you.
Norcen. and nny court will set you
free the moment you tell the story.
The one. the only thing. for you to con.
slider now. 10 escape from Anse Cow.
an"
you do this toto save mef"
"eTn kaaA VA, evnvv& emtltu- k.tAt...