The Ely miner., 1931-03-20
W. u. .SEAvck


you down? Look at the paper"
But why should you" Roberta
began and then suddenly conscious of
the others, hurriedy unfolded the
paper. She looked at it, gasped and
turned to him. She opened her mouth
to speak, but Sir George put his hand
over it. Give it to the Judge" he
ordered.
Meekly, and so unlike the Roberta
he had known that his heart con-
tracted with pain and tenderness. she
took it across to Arlett who, back
against the door, surveyed it.
"H'mm!" He looked at Jack. This
here's a perfectly good New Jersey
marriage license made out for Roberta
Macbeth and Sir George Sandison.
Who's Sir George SandiSon?"
"What!" Jack came nearer and
looked at the paper.
"Sir George" Roberta cried.
He held her hand. It's quite all
right. You see, Jack. there's no ques-
tion now of a defenseless girl return
ing home, after a theatrical attempt
at elOpement, to be covered with
shame and confusion while her fathers
pocketbook is emptied by man who
couldn't possibly marry her. Roberta's
been playing yOu-SO that her father
might lay hands on you and your
gang"
He held Roberta's hand tightly, so
oh hA lnH
and watchful judge came forward as
the two constabes held the door.
"All the time you thought you were
running away with her. she knew that
she had another man, simply mad to
marry her, following close behind.
Can't keep up with the modern woman.
Jack. Even clever chap like your
self has no chance. She has us. as
the Americans say, going and
coming"
You're bluffing. This girl never
intends to marry you"
Sir George laughed. 1t was feeble
laugh but it irritated Jack.
"It's a bluff and you can't bluff me.
I've got her letters and my story
and III"
He came up against Arlett and the
two constables at the door.
"You keep yourself to yourself"
ArIett said mo pushing and showing
until this things straight What do
you want done with him, mister? |
wouldn't argue with him no longer"
Sir George clung to Roberta's hand,
but he refrained from looking at her.
Try as Roberta would she could not
free her hand.
Roberta. my dear, Judge Arlett can
marry us just as tightly and just as
we'll as any person, and Jack and the
constables will be our witnesses
VIII you, RobertaY
He asked it recklessly. Roberta
would. of course. refuse and demand
to be taken home to her father. but
at least it would silence Jack and
make any attempt at blackmail i'm
possible.
Roberta hesitated and as she did
Jack laughed aloud. You seev he
said to Arlett. ITS sheer bluff The
SlTl CdI1e Will luc 10 IHdTTy lie ana
no one else. He can't save her face
that way"
Sir George stared straight ahead of
him, smiling, waiting.
Judge Arlett," said Roberta, In a
very low voice, will you marry us
now-and do anything you like with
that" She indicated Jack.
"Sure. We can Jail him easy, after
ward"
Sir George could not take his eyes
from the girl, who did not look at him
now. "Robertap he murmured but
she did not answer. She had thrown
her head back and, leaning against
the wall, she faced Jack.
Sir George found it hard to keep
from pitying Jack. He did not doubt
for a moment that to lose Roberta
now was a life and death matter to
him. but Roberta was too young to
understand or be pitiful.
He was so much interested in Jacks
plight, he forgot his own.
Jack, who had once loomed i'm
portant in Roberta's life, was less than
nothing now, and knew it. He made
a swift leap toward the door. while
the cOnstables gaped at Roberta. but
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