The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1925-02-04
ARZAN
| Of TIL E A ES-
By EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS


Certainly. sir; certainly, sir, ex-
claimed Professor Porter. How
could you doubt it?"
There is young Clayton, you
know" suggested Canler. He has
been hanging about for months.
Il don't know that Jane cares for
him; but beside his title they say
he has inherited a very considerable
estate from his father, and it
might not be strange, if he finally
won her. unless and Canler
paused.
"Tut-tut. Mr.. canler; unless
what?"
Unless, you see fit to request that
Jane and be married at once" said
Canler, slowly and distinctly.
II have already suggested to Jane
that it would be desirable said
Professor Porter sadly. for we can
no longer afford to keep up this
house, and live as her associations
demand"
What was her reply?" asked Can
Ter.
"She said she was not ready to
marry any one yet," replied Pro
fessor Porter, "and that we could
go and live upon the farm In north
ern Wisconsin which her mother left
her.
She is planning on our going up
there the first of the week. Phil
ander and Mr.. Clayton have already
gone to get things in readiness for
u.s."
Clayton has gone there?" ex-
claimed Canler. visibly chagrined.
why was not I told? I would
gladly have gone and seen that
every comfort was provided"
Jane feels that we are already
too much in your debt, Mr.. Canler."
said Professor Porter.
Canler was about to reply. when
the sound of footsteps came from
the hall without, and Jane Porter
entered the room.
'Oh. I beg your pardonr' she ex-
claimed. pausing on the threshold.
i thought you were alone, papa"
ut is only I. Jane" said Canler.
who had risen, won't you come in
and join the family group? We were
just speaking Of YOU"
Thank you" said Jane Porter,
entering and taking the chair Can
Ter placed for her. 'I only wanted
to tell papa that Tobey is coming
down from the college tomorrow to
pack his books.
WAS Tobey here2" asked Profess
sor Porter.
Yes"
"Tut-tut, must see him at
once!' cried the professor. Excuse
me just moment. children"
AS soon as he was out of ear
shot Canler turned to Jane Porter.
See here, Jane" he said bluntly.
How long is this thing going on
like this
You haven't refused to marry me,
but you haven't promised either.
II want to get the license tomor-
row, so that we can be married
quietly before you leave for Wis
consin. I don't care for any fuss
or feathers, and I'm sure you don't
either"
Your father wishes it. you know"
added Canler.
yes, / know"
She spoke scarcely above whis-
per-
DO you. realize that you are buy
ing me, Mr.. Canler?" she said
finally, and in cold, level voice.
Buying me for few paltry dollars?
OF course you do. Robert .Canler,
and the hope Of just such con-
tingency was in your mind when
you loaned papa the money for that
hair-brained escapade, which but for
a most mysterious circumstance
would have been surprisingly sue
cessful.
But you. Mr.. Canler would have
been the most surprised. You had
no idea that the venture would sue
coed. You are too good a business
man for that.
You knew that without security
you had a greater hold on the
honor of the Porters than with it.
You knew the one best way to force
me to marry you. without seeming
to force me.
Il shall certainly marry you if
there is no other way, but let us
understand each other once and for
ALL"
you surprise me. Jane. L
thought you had more self control
more pride.
"Of course you are right. 1 am
buying you, and I knew that you
knew it, but I thought you would
prefer to pretend that 1t was other
wise.
But have 1t your own way, dear
girl" he added lightly. IT am GO
ing to have you, and thaths all that
interests me-"
Without a word the girl turned
and left the room.
Jane Porter was not married be-
fore she left with her father and
Esmerelda for her little Wisconsin
farm, and as she coldly bid Robert
Canler goodby as her train pulled
out. he called to her that he wo0ld
join them in a week or two.
At their destination they were met
by Clayton and Mr.. Philander In a
huge touring car belonging to the
former, and quickly whirled away
through the dense northern woods
toward the little farm which the girl
had not visited before since child
hood.