The Argosy, November 1908 — page 25: what you’re looking at

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

BY BULLET PERSUASION. going back to degradation. I know it, and you know it.” “T know it,” I replied, “but I am helpless in the matter. The sheriff says that if I was your husband I might pro- tect you. I am not. I have been thinking, however. You are young, and it is easily understood that you do not want to marry Hernandez. Now, all I can offer you is a home as my wife. “You have known me only a few hours. I have little to offer you except this home, as you see it, a strong arm, and a faithful love. I confess I never had much belief in love at first sight; but I have seen you several times in the past twenty-four hours, and I love you. Will you marry me?” é¢ Yes.”’ There was a heightened color in her cheeks, and she stepped to my side and put her hand in mine.” “Any woman could love you,” she said. “I will be your wife. I could be happy here.” Saxe unwound his great length and blew a cloud of smoke in the air. “Then I can’t do anything,” he said; “only, get the ceremony over with as soon as possible.” “Tt isn’t the first time I’ve been asked to marry,”’ said Miss Bonilla, ‘“ but it’s the first time I ever said yes.” CHAPTER VIII. AN INTERRUPTED CEREMONY. THERE was a broad grin on the bronzed face of Sheriff Saxe. “How will you manage it?” he asked. “There is no priest within twenty miles.” “There is a justice of the peace at Descanso.” ‘““At Descanso? “Yes, Well, you want him, eh?” I turned to Consuelo. “Miss Bonilla,’ I said, “this means a great deal to me. I am lonesome, and want to marry you. But I do not want to take advantage of the difficult posi- tion you are in. Consider well before we take any further steps.” She flashed me a smile that reassured me. “ T_don’t think I will be the best wife, so there is. 591 if that’s what you want. I don’t know everything. But so far as considering is concerned, I’ve done that. With a father like mine, and Hernandez waiting for me at home, and no one but you to look to, what considering do I need? If you think you’d like to marry me, I’m ready.” Saxe laughed outright. ‘“Tt’s the queerest love-making I ever saw,” he said, “but then, to tell the truth, I haven’t seen much. If Denny hadn’t offered, seforita, I would.” ‘“T wouldn’t say yes to you.” The corners of his mouth twitched. ““T suppose not. I’m not twenty- four, strong as an ox, and the owner of a good farm. Well, I'll help the mat- ter along. You want Brown, eh?” és Yes,”’ ‘“T’ll stop at Descanso and tell him. Sorry I can’t be here to attend the wed- ding. But now that the seriousness of the affair has been done away with, I’ve got more important duties. Ill tell, Brown, though.” We had some refreshments, and he mounted his horse again and rode away. “Have you really thought about what you are doing?” I asked Consuelo. “Of course I have. You have lived so long with your old fig-trees and your rifle that you can’t understand. I love you.” “TI hope you will some day, but I doubt if you do now.” “T do now—John.” She came to me and, stooping, kissed me. I had no further doubts. short, swift courtship. It was not a courtship at all. I make no apologies. I am simply telling what occurred on the fig farm. Descanso was fifteen miles away. And Justice of the Peace Brown was not the swiftest individual in the world. However, about five o’clock that same afternoon an old mustang that had seen service on the plains farther east came limping in through the osage hedge, and the round face of Justice Brown looked out from under a broad-brimmed som- brero. “Saxe told me you wanted me in a hurry,’ he said. ‘I’ve nearly killed poor old Sancho getting here. What is It was a conmicloooks.conn