The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 2 — page 56: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

238 but continued to eye him with orbs wide in fear, he went on: “But you don’t need to be quite so scared. I only’ want you to marry me. Enough women: have desired that fate so that it should hardly seem so_ utterly dreadful. “Indeed, I’ve known real ladies who would have thought such a proposal from me an honor. I’m not making the worst offer I could, you know. It’s marriage— lawful, honorable marriage.” In spite of the veiled threat, she caught at the straw of hope. ow can we be married now? promised you, what guarantee could you require that I would keep the promise?”’ ‘“ Tmmediate fulfilment,” he replied in- stantly. ‘‘ Not with quite all the cere- monial even I would wish, though I care nothing for religion or its rites. We'll have the ceremonies later, if you wish. “ Unfortunately, you have spoiled the chance for the more conventional formal- ities. You could have had every cere- mony of the church. You have driven me to fearful means. “Don’t think for a moment I’m fool enough to imagine I can hold a place at the head of this plant. I know nothing of its business; care nothing. Even rob- bing it would get little that I can take, except you. I intend to have you—and IT want nothing more.” He paused. Her voice was,hardly more than a frightened croak as she returned to her question with— “You haven’t told me yet how -we could be married now,” “ By mutual agreement, in the presence of witnesses. Even our state church which holds matrimony to be a sacrament acknowledges such agreement where no parish exists.” “And then, what would you do?”’ “ Flee. We shall have to take to the jungle within a few days—a few hours more likely.” She kept up the argument for time’s sake, though she could scarce imagine what time could bring her. If 1 THE ARGOSY. “A pleasant life-prospect you offer. How far do you imagine we could get through the jungle?” ‘“ IT don’t know,” he said blankly. “ But —life-prospect! Dios! What of the life prospect for me? Do you see what I am giving up for you—my career, my repu- tation, my very life?” He was not pleading with her to as- sent to his plan. He seemed to take that for granted. He pleaded but for her re- gard while he put the plan into execution. ‘But I don’t want to give up my life- prospects—I don’t want you,” she argued ~ further. She must find out what he threatened, by what means he intended to secure her consent. “So it seems,” he said, with a return of the leering grin which had disappeared while he outlined his plan. “I think I can persuade you to reconsider your wishes in that regard.” ‘“ Never,” she retorted aaa “No?” he mocked. “ Remember, just for the moment I hold the power of life and death over you.” “Just for the moment—and forever— I infinitely prefer death to you,” she an- swered tensely. His face grew harder with anger. ‘“ Perhaps,” he returned. “I had taken into account that you might think so. There is also your father fot you to take into consideration.” '. She drew a quick breath of apprehen- sion. “You mean that you would kill him— a helpless, sick, dying old man?” she cried, “T mean that I will do worse than that,’ he whispered thickly. ‘“ Listen. I have just come from your boat. Your father is even now asking for—what do you think?” She shuddered. She knew. ‘* Yes—water!’’ he told her. “You fiend!” she hurled at him. “Tf you like — fiend for love’s sake. Believe me that, if you will. I have killed two men already, just to bring about this COMMIE OOO S w (C©)