The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-03-21

ous game, admit, and a disagreeable one, but the case requires desperate remedies"
 She lifted her eyes, searching my face through the dim light.
 "Geoffry Carlyle" she said at last, a tremor in the low voice, "there is no sacrifice l would not make to pre- serve my honor. hate this man; I dread his touch: shrink from con- tact with him as would from a snake, but I am not going to refuse to do my part. If you say this is right and justified I will consent"
 "I believe it is.'
 'And you will not lose faith in meY' she questioned earnestly. 'It will not lower your belief in my womanhood?" Nothing could do that. Mistress Dorothy, I want you to realize the depth of my interest and respect. Your friendliness has meant much to me, and I would never urge you to lower your ideals. But we must face this situation as it Is. We possess but two weapons of defense-decelt or force. A resort to the latter Is at present i'm possible. I cannot conceive that you are lowering yourself in any way by using the power you possess to escape -iolence-'
 "The power I possessT'
 ''Yes-beauty and wit These are your weapons, and most effective ones. You can play with Estada and defeat him-tempOrarIly at least. l confess there is danger in such a game-he is a wild beast, and his evil nature may overcome his discretion. Take this pistol. Keep 1t hidden about your per son, but use it only when all else fails. You retain faith in me2''
 Implicitly"
 And pledge yourself to your part leaving me to attend to mine?"
 Her two hands cIasped my fingers, her eyes uplifted.
 "Geoffry Carlyle, I have always be lfeved in you, and now, after the sac rifice you have made to serve me ] can refuse you nothing you ask. will endeavor to accomplish all you require of me God knows how hate the task; but-but will do my best Only-only," her voice sank, 'If--it the beast lays hands on me he-he pays the price. I could not do other wise. Geofry Carlyle-I am Fair. fax"
 Satisfied with my mission and conf. dent nothing more need be said, arose to my feet,
 '"Then we can do nothing further until I learn the disposition of the crew." I said quietly. "EsJada Is not likely to resort to extreme measures at present. That Is why I believe you are comparatively safe now-his owr position of command is in the bal s.ance."
 .A. q will see you again?"
 "Perhaps not here; it Is too danger ous but will find means to commu nicate with you. Good-by."
 We stood with hands cIasped in tht darkness. I thought she was goini to speak again, but the words failer to come. Then suddenly, silently tn door opened n mere crack, letting in gleam of yellow light from the mail cabin, while the crouching figure of man, like 0 gliding shadow slippe, through the aperture, closing the doc behind him as softly as he had opened it. I heard her catch her breath ant felt her hands grasp my sleeve, but never stirred.
 Who could he be? What might b the purpose of his entrance? But on answer occurred to me--Pedro Estada driven by unbridled passions to attacl the girl. I thrust her behind nc, an took a step forward, with body poise for action, I was unarmed, but care, little for that in the swift desire t come to hand grips with the brute. could hear him now, slowly and eau tiously feeling his way toward u through the darkness.