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 assault 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 butt. 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?"

"Yes--no; not exactly that. I was in the summer house; I did not mean you
should see me, but I wished to be sure of your escape; I--I--of course