Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1922-09-16

she hesirated and then, as II with a
sudden resolution, she made her way
quickly in the direction Of the port
age.
There was a rig with two horses be
fore the factors door. Inside the door
Tom Bowyer was standing, and Molly
faced him, white to the lips, and rigid.
I've given you your answer many
times" said Molly.
Bowyer smiled. "No decision that
was ever made can't be changed" he
retorted. rs 1t a crime 70 love you
to want TO make you my wife?"
NO; but 1t is a crime to persecute
me when you know you have no right
to ask me at ALL"
Tom BOwyer, who had cultivated his
RACES until they had mastered him,
could never refrain from falling into
the bully's pose when he met opposi-
ton. He slammed his fist down fierce
ly on the counter.
"Ill change your answer. Molly" he
cried. Before l leave this store to-
night. I'll have you at my feet, for all
your pride. Din II. its your pride |
want as much as sou. l want to hum
bic you. because there's never been
man or woman l couldn't tame sooner
or later. I'm making you an honorable
proposal. Your fathers dying man.
Anyone can see that. / want you, and
want to take care Of him for your
"A hn ~ n ! o-Tr
to be my wife, to come to Cold juno
ton with me and marry me- D'you sup
pose he could hold his job here an
| other day If the company knew he's
paralyZed? I'll drive him from the
portage unless you marry me and let
him take his pension and live with
US"
II tell you no agaln" cried Molly.
How many times am to answer you?
win you go nOw?'
He caught her by the wrists, thrust
ing his face forward into hers.
She screamed IN fear, and they heard
the dragging footsteps of the factor in
his room above. The old man felt his
way slowly down the stairs and edged
along the counter. There was fear in
his sunken eyes; but it was anger
made him tremble.
"Ye 60 too far. Mr.. Bowyer !" he
quavered. Eye Gamma insult my girl
in my own hOusep
Get back to bed, you old fool -
sneered Bowyer. Didn't you do your
own love-makingY
IF she Wilma have We / Wilma sell
her! Leave the house and do your
worstw
IF / do" answered Bowyer, IN do
It. D'you mean that2 Answer me,
McDonaldw
The factor sank back against the
counter and glared at him with bag
gard eyes, his gray beard brushing his
breast Bowyer smiled trlumphantly.
Speak for me, Mcdonald" he
jeered Tell her why she'd better
change her mind"
The factor raised his head molly,
| lass" he whimpered, 'it's a grand OPP
portunity he's offering We. Have We no
thocht of that? It'll be a hame for We
in my old age, when I Gamma care for
We"
Molly fixed her eyes In horror upon
Mcdonald. But Bowyer strobe between
| them.
You're fine love-makerw he
sneered. Get out Of the way -
And, infamed almost to madness, he
seized Molly in his arms and pressed
his lips to her cheek and throat again
and again.
Il guess you're not SO coy as you pre-
/ tend, Molly" he cried You women
are all alike, after all. I never knew
one yet that wasn't in hurry to get
hitched uT, however much she pretend
ed to dislike it."
The opening Of the door behind him
made him start Kitty stood there. and
It was quite clear that she had been a
spectator Of the scene. With a stran-
gled cry Molly broke from Bowyer's
grasp and ran into her room. She
dragged her bed against the door and
stood behind it, sobbing with terror
and anger. The factor leaned against
the counter. a look Of dun apathy on
bis face. Bowyer turned sheepishIy to
Kitty.
"Well, ] guess you caught me this
time. Mrs. Bostock," he said. But, be-
ing a woman yo1'll understand"
Kity's disgust for Bower held her
silent. She made the slightest gesture
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