Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1925-09-16

10 teH you something. 4 can't tell any
Dody. Fm"-then there was a long
silence-'Pm putting myself at your
mercy, In way, in even coming to
see you tonight. If he'd ever find 1t
out"
you mean 'BulPp
"Yes."
''You mean"
You met us on the road one night
came graphically. Rogers recoiled In
horror.
He would beat her? Again?" He
rose and paced the roome at last to
halt beside the older mans chair.
Good God, mani you don't stand for
that? Haven't you an ounce of red
blood in your veins? Haven't you"
But the thin hands spread hope
lessly.
II can't do anything. There are
reasons why 1 can't. 1--we lust got
TO stand and look on. That's why he
takes such delight in 1t; because he
knows that I'm suffering. That's why
T."
There's the one way out-and
you'd have a right to do it !" Bart
rogers spoke slowly, coidly. mo man
has a right to heat a woman-much
less a girl. Understand that? And
there isn't jury in the world"
he paused then. The faint light
from the street reflected the CLEAN in
Ola Jlm's eyes, as the older man half.
rose, his hands extended, his lips work
ing convulsively, his features fraught
with excitement, with hope-then sud
denly with fear as he sank into the
chair again and stared duly into
vacancy.
NO." came hopelessiy. 1--WE thought
or 1t. II guess I've thought of Il
more tonight than ever before In INV
life. But | can't do It.. l might only
wound him-and then it'd be worse
than ever. II can't take the chance.
My hand wouldn't be steady. I'D
miss. Then he'd get a greater re.
venge than ever. He'd ruin her life
and yours 2
Mine? Ruin my life?"
lou care about her, don't you? rye
seen it, boy" Old Jim rose now. 81
saw 1t in your eyes this afternoon
| saw it there tonight. That's what
made me come here. l want to get
your promise"
Then his voice trailed away.
My promise? To what?" answered
Bart.
''That-that you'll marry Anita
'T?"
YES J" Old Jim had caught him by
the arms now, and was holding In
grip that was almost spasmodic In its
Intensity. You care about herr
know you do. l want you to marry
her. You'll have money-plenty of 1t.
You can go away--to New York. or
maybe across the water-some place
where he couldn't get his hands on
her and torture her and tear the heart
out of mel I'll help you-I give YOU
my word that I'll help you! I'll pre-
tend to hate you, I'll let him think
that it will be a living agony to me
to see her married to you! Then he'll
consent to it-because he will think
1t will hurt me. Bart" the mans
finger nails were digging deep into the
tight-clasped arms now-"Ill do any
thing in the world for you If you'll
Only promise! I'll crawl on my knees
to you, III"
"But why-why should you think
that she would marry me2 That she
even thinks of me other than to be
grateful for that night on the road7
Why"
Maybe she doesn't, but I'll help.
I'll talk you up to her-I know she
likes you better than anyone else.
And I'll try to make her love you"
Then he stopped. Bart Rogers
waited long for him to continue, but
no words came. The clutch at the
younger mans arms released slowly.
Then the old man turned despondently
away.
T-I guess I've been fool" came
at last. "Just forget I've ever been
here"
II can't do that, jim" Bart Rogers
was following him to the door. But
I'm afraid you've asked some impos-
III LlG DISl place, Il Rlrl
doesn't marry a man unless she really
loves him. Then she marries withoC.
influence from anyone. If that time
ever comes, you'll find me waiting for
Anita, and if she's willing to go with
me, it'll be whether 1 have money or
not, and in spite of what Bull Fran
niston or anybody else has to say or
think about it. I'll"
Don't" The appeal had come in
a whisper that was almost frantic.
'Don't-please- please, for Gods sake,
don't" He looked about him hur
riedly. 'That can't be, Rogers Un.
derstand-it can't be! You can't take
her that way-you mustn't-hear that
You mustn't! You've got to promise
me that before leave this rooml'
Bart Rogers smiled mirthlessly.
Were discussing a good many
things that may never happen. But,
ii It'll help you any, Jim-Pll promise"
Then Old Jim left.