The Ozark spectator., 1917-05-23
CHAPTER xVIii-Continued.

ter than you do." She pointed quiv- ering finger at her cousin. "He insult ed me as vilely as he could only a few months ago on Music mountain. And If this very same Henry de Spain hadn't happened to be there to protect me, you would have found me dead next morning by my own hand. Do you understand7' she cried, panting and furious. That's what he is!'
 Her uncle tried to break in. ''Stop" she exclaimed pointing at Gale. "He never told you that, did hep
 ''No, nor you neither" snapped Duke hoarsely.
 "I didn't tell you," retorted Nan, 'be- cause I've been trying to live with you here in peace among these thieves and cutthroats. and not keep you stirred up all the time. And Henry de Spain faced this big coward and protected me from him with m empty revoiveri What business of yours is 1t whom l meet. or where go?' she demanded, raining her words with flaming eyes on her belligerent cousin. sI will never marry you to save you from the hangman. Now leave this house." She stamped her foot. Leave this house, and never come into 1t againi"
 Gale, beside himself with rage, stood his ground. He poured all that he safely could of abuse on Mans own head. She had appeased her wrath end made no attempt to retort, only Hooking at him with white face and burning eyes ns she breathed defiance. Duke interfered. "Get outl" he said to Gale harshly. "Tll talk to her. Go homc!"
 Not ceasing to mutter oaths. Gale picked up his hat and stamped out of the house, slamming the doors. Duke, exhausted by the quarrel, sat down, eying his niece. "Now what does this mean" he demanded hoarsely.
 She tried to tell him honestly and frankly all that her acquaintance with De Spain did mean-dwelling no more than was necessary on its beginning, but conceallng nothing of its develop ment and consequences. nothing of her love for De Spain. nor of his for her. But no part of what she could say on any point she urged softened her uncle's face. His square. hard jaw from beginning to end looked like stone.
 ''So he's your lover?" he said harsh ly when she had done.
 "He wants to be your friend" re- turned Nan, determined not to give up.
 Duke looked at her uncompromising- ly. ''That man can't ever be any friend of mine-understand that! He can't ever marry you. If he ever tries to. go help me God. I'll kill him if hang for 1t. l know his game. know what he wants. He doesn't care pinch of snuff for yOn He thinks he can hit me blow by getting you away from me-"
 "Nothing could be furthc- from the truth" exclaimed Nan .hopelessly.
 Duke struck the table smashing blow with his fist. "Tll show Mr. dc Spain and his friends where they get o6.'s
 "Uncle Duke, if you won't listen to eeas0n, you must listen to sense. Think of whnt position you put me In. love you for all your care of me. Cove him for his affection for me and consideration of me - because he knows how to treat woman. know - wouldn't harm hair on your head. CT any cake, yet you talk now of o1oo11hed between you two. know WAn1 your words mean-that one of -, - both 0f you. are to be killed lora . aennalnes 6eud. He win not stand - anA lsk A1y Man shoot him down W1fAeef resfstance. If you lay your n1oo1 = his heAd. you know 1t would nut . otnfn Aetwean him and me that novor coaid - wasl,ed out as long as VI Mved. If yos m ALm could never ny here with yoa. Ills blood would ~ oot svesy day and aighk against yen.. n
 Qukeo violent 6nger shot odt at her. sAnd you're the gai ! took from your Un6mmy and promised I'd bring up q 1ocent woman. You've got none O her bl1o0 n y0u-n0t q drop. You're the | l>rEs ~ that mincing brother of mine.
 H ,sn always riding horseback and
 1r o6 h town while l yes weed
 tobacco beds"
 INsrgd her hands. Don't |
 i6e because I'm your brothers Blame me because I'm wom-
 ecousc [ have . heart. because to live and see you live. and
 . suapicion. dlstrust. fcuds.
 and worse. I'm not ungrate-
 vou plalnly any am. I want
 tCet ont of what you are in