The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-08-24
A WOMAN'S PREY
 
BY FRED JACKSON.


 whether he killed her or not The moment fascinated her. She had loved playing with fire all her life. The thought that she hung now be- tween life and death brougnt her a curious elation.
 Bending over her, with his knee upon the chaise-lounge, his fingers pressing tighter and tighter upon her soft throat, his eyes still held hers.
 But he sought in vain for some sign of weakening or surrender. She was not to be broken. Though his strength was greater than her strength, his will was no stronger than hers.
 He might crush the breath from her soft body. but he could never wiring a cry for mercy from her red lips. He might kill her, but he coul not make her show fear.
 Realizing this, he released his clutch upon her and threw her back among her satin pillows new light kindled in his eyes. a light of admiration and respect With such a glance, one brave warrior might have saIuted comrade in arms. As for Lorah. realizing that he had spared her not from any fear of talk ing her miserable, worthless life, but rather from an unwillingness to de- stroy so helpless a creature, a new warmth crept in her eyes-a new feeling grew in her heart for him. So they regarded each other. 'Wel1?" she asked, lying sback and strengthening her tousled hair. He stood over her with folded arms. ''So you are at least no coward ?' he said.
 Just a she-devi1 in need of tam- ing!"
 She smiled up at him tantalizingly. Perhaps she admitted, drawing sharp breath.
 He nodded his head slowly "If you had cringed, I should have killed you for a wanton thing not worth the sparing. But you did not crfnge and I cannot help but think that something may yet be made of you.'
 He seated himself on the edge of the chaise-lounge without asking leave.
 "So?'' she asked again somewhat mockingly.
 make ready at once, we can be mar rfed before midnight and leave town directly" he informed her, looking at his watch. She arched her brows What makes you think I'll marry you?' she asked wonderingay Have given you the slightest encourage ment?"
 He drowned Don't talk nonsense or waste time l want you. I want to make woman out of you. And if v,,,1 won't come with me willingly, I'll take you by force! I think you know by this time I'm strong enough to handle you-you and your servants as well, if necessary!' She laughed softly, rose and walk | ed over to the telephone. What are you going to dor" he | asked
 Telephone police headquarters 1 that you are here. They've probably got word from Nevada by this timer" He smiled, crossed the room and locked the door. He put the key | in his pocket. | "But tell them to come quickly if l they are to save you!" What do you mean?" she asked, hesitating
 1T mean" he answered, that I am going to have you tonfght-lega1ly l or otherwise! mean that I am go- | ing to put my mark upon you so | that you will be my woman from this night forth.'' | | ed about helplessly
 You wouldn't be so brutal!" she whispered.
 I His eyes blazed upon her. | I've earned you. You're mine by every right. I've bought you firm the devil and I've paid for you. You've made me a thief. I'm going to make you a thief's wife, or, if you prefer it. just a thief's mate. | He advanced unOn her She ro treated as far as the table and stood there with her back against 1t, catch ing up heavy bookrack with which to defend herself. Smiling, be came on. She lifted her weapon, menac- ingly.
 Stop. You'n regret it!'' she warn ed him.
 He seized her The book-rack went crashing over his shoulder to | the floor, where it did no harm. He held her in his arms and drew her close.
 l At first she struggled, beat against his breast with her clenched fists furiously. But he only laughed, happily, triumpha ptIy, masterfully. and whispered:
 "She-devil!" as he drew her closer.
 Her strength was futile, pitted against his. and she knew it. So quite suddenly she surrendered with something like a sob-surrendered to the forces within herself as we'll as to him,
 lie crushed her lips beneath his
 rps, kissed her eyes, and cheeks, her throat: and shoulders, where the lpefgnoir fell away.
 She lay motionIess now breathing deeply, her whole form relaxed, her eyes ciosed. And tears began to
 triekle through her curling Iashes. Well he asked softly, (which
 way shall it be? Will you marry
 me, little vixen?"
 one olo not open her eyes, nor
 speak But she nodded.
 Now-at once?" he asked.
 Asaln sne nodded. He released
 her, and she stood with bowed head Eas he rang the bell and unlocked the
 uoor: Her maid came and at his
 bidding brought a heavy coat and diff