the way you're going to play
it. You're good and sweet and clean--I like that kind, and I won't
have no other. You're mine. MINE, do you hear! Mine for life--body and
soul--`FOR BETTER FOR WORSE, FOR RICHER FOR POORER, IN SICKNESS AND IN
HEALTH, TO LOVE, CHERISH'----"

He paused and thrust his massive jaw squarely into her face:

"`----AND OBEY!'" he hissed, "`UNTIL DEATH DO US PART, ACCORDING TO
GOD'S HOLY ORDINANCE'--you said it, didn't you?"

"Yes----"

"Well?"

She turned from him with sudden aversion:

"I didn't know what you were----"

"Nobody ever knows BEFORE they're married!" he broke in savagely. "You
took your chances. I took mine--`FOR BETTER FOR WORSE.' We'll just say
now it's for worse and let it go at that!"

The little body stiffened.

"I'll die first!"

He held her gaze without words, searching the depths of her being with
the cold, blue flame in his drooping eyes. If she were bluffing, it was
easy. She could talk her head off for all he cared. If she meant it, he
might have his hands full unless he mastered the situation at once and
for all time.

There was no sign of yielding to his iron will. An indomitable soul had
risen in her frail body and defied him. His decision was instantaneous.

"Oh, you'll die sooner than live with me--eh?"

There was something hideous in the cold venom with which he drawled
the words. Her heart fairly stopped its beating. With the last ounce of
courage left, she held her place and answered:

"Yes!"

With the sudden crouch of a tiger he drew his clenched fist to strike.

"Forget it!"

She sprang back with terror, her body trembling in pitiful weakness.

"You snivelling little coward!" he growled.

"Oh, Jim, Jim," she faltered,--"you--you--couldn't strike me!"

A step nearer and he stood over her, his big, flat head thrust forward,
his eyes gleaming, his muscles knotted in blind rage.

"No--I won't STRIKE you," he whispered. "I'll just KILL you--that's
all!"

With the leap of an infuriated beast he sprang on her and his sharp
fingers gripped her throat.

The world went black and she felt herself sinking into a bottomless
abyss. With maniac energy she tore his hands from her throat and the
warm blood streamed from the gash his nails had torn.

"Jim! Jim! For God's sake!" she moaned in abject terror.

With a sullen growl, his fingers, sharp as a leopard's claw, found her
neck again and closed with a grip that sent the blood surging to her
br