The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1922-11-16

the law. Now I've done with you"
"YOu can tell me, Tom Bowyerl r.
cried Molly.
He swung toward her. an tell you,
then" he roared. "Your fathers a
murderer. He's been wanted by the
police these twenty years or more,
and he's still wanted. The police don't
forget. ! knew II from the first. He
came TO me n asked my help after
he'd murdered a man In a common
brawl. He wanted to give himself up.
| told him not 10. I got him his job
ut 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 againp he shouted.
You're her father!' There was in
tense mockery In his tone. ''She'll
obey you. Ask her II she wants you
to swing in the ~jaiEyard at Yorkton
while she's on her honeymoon with
Will Carruthers ~
With a whimperlng 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.
1T isn't true, father !" she begged,
fixing her eyes in terror upon the fac
tors. Tell him 1t isn't true. You
didn't kill that man who insulted my
motherl And, If you did, you did 1t
to protect her. Tell him it's a lier"
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 seer in
the eyes of many men N 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"
"Fn give him up to justice" Bow
yer shouted. "IIl 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 III have him hanged In
YOrkton inside of six months IL you
don't agree to what I'm asking of
you"
And If | do agree2" 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 II. Molly. lassr' he shout.
ed. "Ill hang!" He turned to Bow
yer. "Ill hang" he shouted, and then
his voice broke into a whimper.
shut up. you old fool = said Bow
yer, contemptuously. IF you agree.
Molly" he said, 'the past will all be
forgotten. | swear II will. ] love you.
ami Iii be true TO you. iii give you
everything you want, and I'll make
Mcdonald a home as long as he lives.
DIN it, You look as If l was asking
L oOtltAiiiilS aNlui " JOus WHAT y tile
matter with me? Amt | good enough
for yony'
She looked up. 10 see Bowyer's red
face peering into her own She shiv-
cred, MS II with mortal cold.
N"I1l marry you" she said.
The slow smile that spread over
Bowyer's face was lndescribable. He
turned 10 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 I win sit up a while and talk over
the details of our honeymoon trip.
That amt your business, Maybe wen
do a little love-making on the side,
too. but not too rough. ] guess | know
how to handle a grill !"
He stEode toward tae door and
opened II. The factor ZOO stock-still
for a moment. Then, at Bowyer's call,
he stumbled toward II, and Bowyer
led him across the passage into an
other room.
you'll be comfortable In here. Me-
Donald !" Bowyer shouted. Shaping
the old man on the back. "And don't
you fear for Molly. I'll take mighty
good care ~ her."
There followed his returning foot
steps. and the sharp, sudden click Of
a key. Then came a furious rattllng
from within, Bowyer turned angriIy.
Go to he'd. you old fool I" he
shouted. Didn't I tell you I'd take
care Of herr
The rattIing ceased. but Molly heard
the factors feet shufrling as he stooi
irresoiutely behind his door. listening.
Bowyer came hack and slammed the
door behind him. He put his hand ON
Molly's shoulder.
"rm glad hats all settled at last"
he said. "Cr-d, you've led me a chase
Molly Hardest rive ever had; but /
knew I'd get you>in the end"
"when do you wish me to marry
your'' asked Molly In a whisper.
Bowyer threw back his head and
laughed. aNow you're talking" he M.
severed. That's the point I was com
inr to. I'm a business man. and TIM
..~.I a. pavino what have ~ -.