The Daily Alaska empire., 1931-11-16

{ He did' She gasped. Then 1 knew all baout i.l Then there wasn't any need for my telling you all this?"
 There was every need, Sam. There was every need in the world"
 "Why?"
 The lines seemed to have become deeper about Peaks mouth. He shrugged. Because I had to know just how you felt toward me before Freddy explained. You've told me, and I know.
 But what difference does that make? I don't feel that way any more It's all forgotten. What arc you trying to get at, Peak?"
 I'm trying to say, Sam, that Freddy's version of my motives in the invention deal is entirely incor- rect. It was decent of him to think of that version, and more than decent of him to tell you what he thought-but at the same time, he was wrong. I didn't give Fourth the money so that you'd be free to marry Munson. Not at all"
 You didnt?" She was bewilder- ed. Then why" "I'n tell you why" He nodded 1 grimly. T gave Fourth the money for precisely the meaning you thought in the beginning. I was trying to buy you" She stared Then she shook her head calmly. T don't believe it."
 I'm glad you don't. I wish l didn't, myself. The fact remains, however, that it's true. Freddy Munson told me that you were in love with him, and asked me to release you from your engagement to me. I wouldn't do it. Instead, I gave you the money in the hope that it might make you see things differently. Just as you thought in the beginning. I tried to buy you"
 Sam was silent for time. Then she said in a tired, choked voice Why did you have to tell me this, Peak? Why did you have to say it? was so happy"
 I'm sorry I couldn't help it. ]" He did not move or glance in her direction. T deceived you once, and I'm not going to do 1t again. You know everything now. You know that you were right when you despised me in the first place. You know that you will be right in de- spising me from now on. You know why didn't react as you ex- pected when you offered to marry me just now You know every thing"
 He got to his feet and wandered down to the waters edge, wher, he stood kicking at the sand with the toe of his shoe. Sam did no. stir. She sat where she was with her eyes closed until Peak return ed.
 T think we'd better be going, he said quietly, looking down at her. "It's getting late"
 "Sit down." said Sam. Please sit down." He sat down. "Well?"
 Sam said: Are you going back to the city tonight?"
 "Yes."
 T wish you wouldn't. I wish you'd stay herewith me"
 You want me to stay? With your It was Peaks turn for as- punishment. "Why?"
 Sam opened her eyes and smiled Because I want you to stay. Be- cause, MT. Abbott, I love you. That is why. Is it enough?" Peak shook his head as if to throw off the effects of a blow. He clinched his fist. He said unevenly You don't mean that, Sam. You don't know what you're saying"
 You think not?" she inquired calmly. You're wrong. l know ex- actly what I'm saying. For the sec ond time this afternoon I'm asking you to marry me. How about it.
 Peak stare vaguely about him at the warm April landscape. T wonder" he inquired heavily, "ii you understand a word of what I've been trying to say for the last hall hour? Do you realize that I've beer giving you every reason to distrust dislike, and even hate me?"
 Yes"
 Do you believe what I've beer saygin? You must"
 All right. Will you marry me or won't you?"
 Peak groaned. I've deceived yol and made you unhappy, and de stroyed your belief, and yet you'rt asking me to marry you"
 Yes"
 But 1t doesn't make sense."
 T know" She smiled. T know exactly what you mean. When yo, were down there by the water jus now I told myself that I hates you: that I had every reason fo hating you; that I wanted you u go away and never come back.