Part 23 (1/2)

”The understanding has existed for ten years; never denied until now,” he protested hotly. ”You knew I loved you; I've fought a dozen men on your account--”

”True enough,” she broke in, ”you have challenged every gentleman who has dared address me. Did you think such swash-buckling was going to win my heart? Any girl possessing self-respect would revolt at such methods.

Whatever affection I may have felt for you as a boy has been driven from me by these actions. You wanted a slave, a servant, not a companion, and it is not in Mortimer blood to yield to every whim, to every crack of the whip. I never loved you, never confessed I did. I tried to be obedient, endeavored to like you to please my father, but this past winter has so thoroughly revealed your real character that I will pretend no longer.”

”My character! We have known each other from childhood. I know well enough what has made the difference in you.”

”Indeed!”

”Yes, indeed; it's that d.a.m.ned Continental spy.”

”It has been some one all along according to your theory--any gentleman who has shown me ordinary kindness. You have called out Captain Kincade, Lieutenant Mathieson, Major Lang, and others, just to prove your owners.h.i.+p of me. You have made me the laughingstock of Philadelphia. Now it pleases you to select Major Lawrence with which to a.s.sociate my name.

Because he danced with me once you felt justified in quarrelling with him in my presence, in goading him into fighting you. It was the act of a cowardly bully. Whatever respect I may once have had for you, Captain Grant, has been dissipated this past winter.”

”Can you tell me it is not Lawrence?”

”I could tell you, and very plainly, but I refuse to be questioned.”

”Well, by Gad! I know without asking,” and he sprang to his feet, gripping her hand. ”You've helped that fellow against me from the first.

I'll put up with it no longer. I came back here to-night desperate, prepared to resort to any measures. I meant to give you a chance, and, by heaven! I have. Do you think I am the sort of man you can play with? If I can have you only by force then it is going to be that. Oh, don't try to pull away! I've got you now just as I wanted you--alone! Your father is not here, and that fool Seldon is busy enough out yonder. There is not even a guard to interfere. Do you know what I mean to do?”

She made no answer, but her very silence seemed to fan his anger.

”Sulky, are you! Well, I'll tell you just the same. There's a preacher living at the crossroads--you know him, that snivelling, long-faced Jenks. He's a ranting rebel all right, but he'll do what I say, or I'll cut his heart out. You are going there with me to-night to be married.

I'll put an end to these tantrums, and by to-morrow you'll have come to your senses. Now will you go quietly, or shall I make you?”

She wrenched away from him; there was a moment's struggle, and then her white-robed figure sprang forth into the starlight. I saw him grasp her, tearing the shoulder of her dress with the fierce grip of his fingers. I was already upon my feet, crouching behind the bush, prepared to spring.

She drew back, her face white as marble.

”You coward! You cur!”

”Hold your temper, Mistress,” with a snarling laugh. ”I know how to conquer you.”

That moment I reached him.

CHAPTER XXIII

WORDS OF LOVE

In spite of the fact that he was armed the advantage was all with me. His grip on the girl dragged her to the ground with him, but she rolled aside as we grappled like two wild beasts, my fingers at his throat. I knew the strength of the man, but my first blow had sent his brain reeling, while the surprise of my unexpected a.s.sault gave me the grip sought. He struggled to one knee, wrenching his arms free, but went down again as my fist cracked against his jaw. Then it was arm to arm, muscle to muscle, every sinew strained as we clung to each other, striving for mastery. He fought like a fiend, gouging and snapping to make me break my hold, but I only clung the closer, twisting one hand free, and driving my fist into his face. At last I gripped his pistol, wrenched it forth, and struck with the b.u.t.t. He sank back, limp and breathless, and I rose to my knees looking down into the upturned face. Almost at the moment her hand touched my shoulder.

”Is he dead? Have you killed him?”

”Far from it,” I answered gladly. ”He is merely stunned, and will revive presently, but with a sad headache. I would not have hit him, but he is a stronger man than I.”

”Oh, you were justified. It was done to protect me. I knew you must be somewhere near.”

”You were waiting for me?”