Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1922-10-19

the law. Now I've done with you"
"You can tell me, Tom Bowyer"
cried Molly.
He swung toward her. "I'll tell you,
then" he roared. "Your fathers
murderer He's been wanted by the
police these twenty years or more,
and he's still wanted. The police don't
forget. l knew it from the first He
came to me and asked my help after
he'd murdered a man in a common
brawl. He wanted to give himself up
l told him not to. I got him his Job
at the portage, where he'd be secure.
I've stood by him, been his friend
protected him. But I'll protect him no
more"
He wheeled upon the factor. "Now
speak to her again!" he shouted.
you're her father!" There was in
tense mockery in his tone. She'll
obey you. Ask her If she wants you
to swing In the jail-yard at YorktOn
while she's on her honeymoon with
viii Carruthers !'
With a whimpering cry the factor
| dropped to his knees and hid his face
in his hands. Molly let the rifle fall
and shrank back against the wall. A
cry broke from her lips.
ut isn't true father" she begged,
fixing her eyes in terror upon the fac
tors. "Tell him it isn't true You
| didn't kill that man who insulted my
mother! And, if you did, you did it
to protect her. Tell him it's lie!"
The factors whimpering means
were all her answer. They ceased,
and for a full minute there was not
the least sound in the room. Slowly
Molly raised her head, and the look
that had come into her eyes at last
was one that Bowyer had seen in
the eyes Of many men and women be-
fore. He knew that the time Of his
triumph had come.
"Unless marry you, Tom Bowyer,"
said Molly, "you will betray my father,
who trusted your?
"rll give him up to justice" Bow
yer shouted. "Tll fight with what
weapons I've got. Wouldn't any man
who was a man fight for what he
wanted most Of all in the world? If
you don't give up, swear he'll hang
You know what Canadian law is. |
swear to you I'll have him hanged in
YOrkton inside Of six months If you
don't agree to what I'm asking of
you"
"And if I do agree?" asked Molly
shuddering.
The sudden glance of hope In the
factors eyes went to her heart. But
Mcdonald, crushed under his servi-
tude, had a flicker of manhood after
ALL
Don't do it, Molly, lass" he shout
ed. "Pll hangW He turned to Bow
yer. 'I'll hang" he shouted, and then
his voice broke into a whimper.
"Shut up, you old fool" said Bow
yer, contemptuously. eff you agree,
Molly" he said "the past will all be
forgotten. / swear it will. love you,
and I'll be true to you. I'll give you
everything you want, and I'll make
Mcdonald home as long as he lives.
On it! You look as if l was asking
something awful Of you! What's the
matter with me? Amt 1 good enough
for you?
She looked up, to see Bowyer's red
face peering into her own. She shiv-
cred, as If with mortal cold.
'I'll marry you," she said.
The slow smile that spread over
Bowyer's face was indescribable. He
turned to Mcdonald. "Well, that's set
tied at last" he said, rubbing his
hands together in gloating self-satis-
faction. Get to bed, Mcdonald Molly
and will sit up a while and talk over
the details of our honeymoon trip.
That amt your business. Maybe We'll
do little love-making on the side,
too, but not too rough. / guess know
how to handle a girl !"
He strobe toward the door and
opened It, The factor stood stock-still
for moment. Then, at Bowyer's call,
he stumbled toward 1t, and Bowyer
led him across the passage into an
other room.
you'll be comfortable in here, Nc.
Donald" Bowyer shouted, slapping
the old man on the back. "And don't
you fear for Molly. I'll, take mighty
good care Of her."
There followed his returning foot.
steps, and the sharp, sudden click OF
key. Then came a furious rafting
from within. Bowyer turned angrily.
go to bed, you old fool" he
shouted. didn't l tell you I'd take
care Of her?'
The rafting ceased but Molly heard
the factors feet shuffling as he stood
irresolutely behind his door, listening
Bowyer came back and slammed the
door behind him. He put his hand OF
Molly's shoulder
I'm glad that's all settled at last
he said. Cd, you've led me chase
Molly Hardest I've ever had; but
knew I'd get you in the end"
"When do you wish me to marry
your" asked Molly in whisper.
Bowyer threw back his head ant