The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-04-21

and to exact reckoning from Gloria Gerard
 Natalie's presence in Kyak confirmed his belief that O'NeiI was interested in her, and he began to plan stroke by which he could take revenge upon all three. 1t did not promise in any way to help him out Of his financial straits, but at least it would give him a certain satisfaction.
 He sent word to the girl that he would like to see her.
 Gordon found ais erstwhile ward greatly Improved by her recent life She was brown, vigorous, healthy; her physical charms quickened his pulses.
 ssYou must have q very good reason for coming to see me- she began. q don't dattcr myself that it is from af- fection'
 There you wrong me-" he assured her, with the warm earnestness he 70 easily assumed. ''I have always re- garded you as a daughter"
 T have no faith in you : Exactly, and the knowledge dis tresses me. You and Gloria were 0 large part of my life. I can't bear to lose you. I hope, and believe, that her regard for me has changed no more than mine for her. It remains for me  to regain yours.'
 sThat is impossible. You had the chance'-
 "My dear, you can't know my req sons for acting as I did at Omar. But those reasons no longer exist'' x
 ..Just what do you mean by that?'' stammered Natalie
 T mean what [ say. I'm ready to marry your mother"
 4When?y
 < {e.At once. You shall plead my cause for me-
 ssThat isn't necessary. You know mother is only waiting for you. It means so much to her that she couldn't refuses
 Doesn't it mean anything to you?''
 Natalie nodded sIt means more to me than to any one else, perhaps. I have been carrying a great burden, a1- most more than I can bear. Some times I've wished I. were a man-for just long enough to make you pay. Oh, yes, she continued as he started to protest. Don't let us begin this new life with any false conceptions. You may as well know that shall always hate you. We shall see very little of each other. .
 I that sha,n't rest until win back your love and confidence
 She eyed him searchingly for mo ment, theR opened her lips to speak, but closed them ssWell7'' he prompted her. Let us be frank with each other.''
 I'm merely wondering how greatly your decision has been influenced by the storm and the fight at the railroad crossing. understand how you feel toward MT. o'Neil, and know thnt he means to crush you.''
 sOhY'NGordon's face lighted.
 4Yes. He has never said so, but I can feel it. I wonder if you have snatched us up in your extremity as a defense}
 Ridiculous! Your suspicious are in- suIfing. I have nothing to fear from him, for he is broken, his credit is gone, and he is in desperate straits
 Are you in any better condition2 How long can you fool your people with that pretense of miner <
 Gordon flushed, b.-t affected scorn. 'tSol Have you and Gloria begun to balance my wealth against my love? If sol
 ssYou know she would marry you If you were peRniless.' .
 s4I hope so, and, indeed, I can't be- 1feve her mercenary. Well, shall say goodby to Kyak without idle regret, and we three shall return to Hope, where can attack my problems with fresh courage. can well afford my loss here if by doing So gain the wo- man of my desires.p
 sYou want ne to go with you?'
 "Of course. You can't stay in Omar, knowing what you do about O'Neil. Re member, I shall be in the position of father to you.
 "yery we'll It is the least can do Miss Appleton and sare returning to Omar in a few days. Will you go with us?''
 q shall be delighted, my dear'' He smiled upon her in his most fatherly fashion, but she was far from feeling the assurance he meant to convey
 When Murray arrived in New York he met with terrible setback. Her man Heidelrnan, while admitting that O'Neils project might be feasible, said that his company could not afford to put any more money into Alaska until something besides plans were avatla- h1e. MT Heidelman was adamant.
 CHAPTER XIV.
 The Man Prince Again. 0 NELL had the faculty of sleep
 ing well in spite of the most NJ tormenting worries. He arose
 on the morning after his inter view with Mir. Heidlemann ready to begin tue struggle with all his normal energy and confidence. But the day