The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-04-26
continued.l

tConttnued-l
 There was a stir in the hall outside, and the speaker turned to behold Cur tis Gordon himself in the doorway. The latter in passing had been drawn by the sound of voices and had looked Sato the library Recognizing NataIie's caller. he frowned.
 .What is this2' he inquired co1d1y. "A proposal? Do I interrupt?,
 You do,' said Dan; then, after pause, tTu finish it when you Ieave.''
 Gordon entered and spoke to his stepdaughter.
 What is this man doing in my house 2''
 He is here at my invitation, she replied
 Ten him to leave won't have him here
 Why don't you tell me ?s cried Dan -sI don need an interpreter. 7
 Young man, don't be rash There is, limit to my patience If you have Ehe indeceney to come here after what you have done and after what your sister has said about me, I shall cer tainIy
 Dan broke in roughly: T didn't come to see yon, Gordon. You may be an d5E6GdDIe SiSHt tO some ptOpAey Uut you're no golden sunset in my eyes. Eliza hattered you
 Natalie gave a little terrided cry, for the men were glaring at eachi other saTage1y- Neither seemed to hear her
 tsDld you read that artieleT Read it2 I wrote it!T
 Gordon's face famed suddenly with rage. He pointed to the door with trembling fingers and shouted
 Get out1 I'll not have you here. I discharged you once Get outF1 His utterance was rapid and thick
 Dan smiled mirthlessly, dangerously In q soft voice he sadds
 ssI haven't finished proposing. ex- spect to be accepted You'H pardon me, know''
 fWm you go, yous
 Dan turned to the girl who after that hrst outcry had stood as If spell bound, her face pale, her eyes shining
 Natalie, dear," he said eafnest1y, ssyou can't live in the saIne house with this beast He's cheat and a scoun- dreL He's done his best to spoil your lie, and hell succeed if you stay, so come with me now. Eliza loves you and wants you. aud I'll never cease loving you with all my heart Marry me and we'u gO''- sr
 Gordon uttered an inart1cu1ate sound and came forward with his hands working hnngrfIy.
 Don't tnterruptF' warned Dan, over his shoulder, and his white teeth gieamed in sudden contrast with his tan. No man could love you as I do, dear- GoEdon's clutch fell upon him and frightened Dam stffened, and his words ceased Then the touch upon his flesh became unbearable. WhirI- ing he wrenched himself free He was like a wild animal now Body and spirit had 1eaped 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 thatw he cried hoarse1y and brushed the sleeve where his enc my's fingers had rested as if it had been soiIed.
 Gordon snar9ed 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 knuczles into that puri.e, dis &ortAd face, which he loathed as fliing uncIean. 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 notiing. Yet he was heavy man, and, although half stunned by the sue len onslaught, he managed 4o 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 buck1ed, his arms sagged. Then D2n summoned all his strength and swung. Gordon groaned, lurcbed Forward and spraw1ed upon the warm ETed velvet carpet, face down, with his limbs twisted under him.
 His vanquisher stood over him for lRn instant, then turned upon Natalie a face that was now keen and cruel and predatory
 "Co1nes We.lI be married today" he Ipa1d. And, crossing swiftly, he took Fl1er two hands in his. His voice was harsh and imperative. He's down and sSut. 50 don't be frightened Now, hur- iTyI Two had enough Of this nonsense"
 T-Tm not frightened she said sdazediy. "But--I"-- Her eyes roved lpast him as if in quest of something.
 ''Heral Th1s'H do for a wrap.s Dan whipped hls fur ovsrcpat from a chair