Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-07-15
CHAPTER XVIII.

Please don't. You have been
very good and sweet to me.
/ but She shook her dark head.
J You couldn't marry me-even IL l
/ cared for you in that way
why? ! 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:
! at would take a pretty brave person
/ to mention the subject in my presence.
don't care whOop for anything Cor
don or your family may say or do"
/ There was a stir in the hall outside,
and the speaker turned to behold Cur
| it's Gordon himself in the doorway.
The latter in passing had been drawn
by the sound OF voices and had looked
into the library. Recognizing Natalies
caller, he frowned.
What is this?' he inquired coldly.
"A proposal? Do interrupt
"You do" said Dan; then, after
pause III 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. won't have
him here"
why don't you tell me?" cried Dan,
II don't need an interpreter
Young man, don't be rash. There is
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, shall Ger.
tainly'-
Dan broke in roughly: II didn't come
to see you. Gordon. You may be an
agreeable sight to some people. but
you're no golden sunset in my eyes.
Eliza fattered you"
Natalie gave little terrified cry. for
the men were glaring at each other
savagely. Neither seemed to hear her.
Did you read that article?'
Read 1t? I wrote it,
GordOn's face famed suddenly with
rage He pointed to the door with
trembling fingers ana Slouleus
Get out! I'll not have you here. 1
discharged you once. Get OUT 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, / know"
VIII you go. your
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. so
come with me now. Eliza loves you
and wants you. and I'll never cease
loving you with all my heart Marry
NE and We'll CO.
Gordon uttered an inarticulate sound
and came forward with his hands
working hungriIy.
Don't interrupt warned Dan. over
his shoulder, and his white teeth
cleaned in sudden contrast with his
tan. NO man could love you as | do,
and frightened. 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 ut
contact with Gordon. His long re-
sentiment burst its bounds. His lean
muscles quivered. His frame trembIed
IS If it restrained some tremendous
pressure from within.
Don't do THAR he cried hoarsey
and brushed the sleeve where his enc
my's fingers had rested as if it had
been soiled
Gordon snarled and stretched out his
hand 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 lie 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
10 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
his knees buckied, his arms sagged.
Ihen Dan summoned all his strength
ana swung. Gordon groaned. lurched
forward and sprawled upon the warm
red velvet carpet face down. with his /
limbs twisted under him.
His vanquisher stood over him for I
an instant. then turned upon Natalie /
a face that was now keen and cruel |
and predatory.
Come Wen be married today" he |
said. And. crossing swiftly. he took /