The Yale expositor., 1917-02-15


But whatever doubts may have been
in his mind were speedily dissolved.
For, with cry of thankfulness, Leon
tine tottered toward him and fell into
his arms.
His kisses were on her lips, and
Diego, standing baffied at this unex-
pected turn OF affairs, was complete
ly helpless. He did not know what
to do.
Jerry released the girl and turned
upon Diego. He had mistaken him
for his brother, whom he somewhat
resembled; now, seeing his mistake,
he was for the moment equally at
loss. But he saw Diego trying to con-
ceal the piece OF paper, and he re-
membered Leontine's words which he
had heard as he entered.
IL think you made the suggestion
that l was a theft" he inquired.
Diego did not answer; he tried to
pocket the paper, but his hand shook
so from fear that he was unable even
to fold 1t. His eyes sought the door.
/ Leontlne interposed.
Jerry, he says you gave a receipt
for loan Of money to his brother, Sc
5astian," she cried. "IIe says you
borrowed from his brother in America,
and that you pledged your fathers
property, and put the money for its
sale into your ship instead of repaying
him. That is your receipt"
Jerry, stung to the quick, stepped
| quickly before the door just in time
to intercept Diego.
Let me see that receipt" he said.
ut doesn't matter" answered Diego.
'If that is my signature l claim the
right to look at it. Perhaps 1 shall
honor It,"
The Argentine, suddenly realizing
that Jerry meant business, stepped
back quickly. lie ran intos a desk
which had been used by the merchant
| formerly for the transaction Of DOM
este affairs, and, stumbling, saw and
caught hold OF u heavy iron ornament
which John Walcott had kept there.
and stood confronting Jerry, a sheer
on his face, which was, nevertheless,
pale from fear.
Jerry turned toward the girl.
Dearest, will you leave us for n
moment?" he asked.
! Suddenly he saw Leontine's eyes
dilate with fear. She stared over his
shoulder.
"Jerryw she shouted.
Jerry turned just in time to see
Diego with the appraised iron orna-
ment standing behind him.
Jerry leaped upon Diego and
snatched the implement from his hand.
He turned to Leontlne.
go, DEAR" he said.
The girl came uncertainty toward
her lover. Jerry, you won't hurt
him?" she asked.
"Not if he hands over that forgery"
he answered grimly. 81 am just going
to talk TO him, my dear"
She left the room. At the door she
caught q last glimpse OF Jerry, stand
/ ing with the iron ornament in his
| hand, and Diego, with a panther's
snarling face, leaning against the
desk.
When the door closed behind her
Jerry turned to the Argentine.
81 want that receipt" he said. 81
want to see it. You came here to lie
/ to my fiancee and intimidate her.
What action l shall take upon that
shall be decided later. For the pres
ont 4 want
With a curse and a snarl Diego
flung himself upon the American. So
wild was the fury of his impulse that
at first he drove Jerry before him.
His hands, with the sinewy strength
of the Latin American, twined them
selves about Jerry's throat. Jerry felt
himself choking.
Jerry let the iron ornament slip
from his hand and dashed both his
fists into his opponents face. But
Diego's hands still caught at his
throat. The room was turning black.
face, covered with blood from Jerry's
blows, Diego fought like the panther
he was.
Round and round the room they
wrestled. Leontine, who had not gone
very far from the door, beard the
sounds and flew back in terror to the
library, where her father was chat
ting with Sebastian.
John Walcott, although not privy to
the plot, suspected that something was
! in the wind. When Sebastian sent
Diego into the room across the hall
way to talk with Leontine, he was
sure of his suspicious. He read them,
also, in Sebastian's nervous manner
and his shaking hands.
Nobody had seen Jerry enter. The
big door of the house was always
open by day, and communicated d.
rectly with the hall.
The two rose to their feet as Leon
tine entered. She sprang to her faith
er's side, her face white with fear.
"Come and helpl Come and help !"
she cried. "He is fighting him; he
tried to murder him."
Now, for the first time, Walcott and