The Border Legion

Joan knew that she dared not. She must choose the lesser of two

evils. "No man--could be such a beast to a woman--after she'd saved

his life," she whispered.

"I could be anything. You had your chance. I told you to go. I said

if I ever got well I'd be as I was--before."

"But you'd have died."

"That would have been better for you .. ... Joan, I'll do this.

Marry you honestly and leave the country. I've gold. I'm young. I

love you. I intend to have you. And I'll begin life over again. What

do you say?"

"Say? I'd die before--I'd marry you!" she panted, "All right, Joan Randle," he replied, bitterly. "For a moment I saw

a ghost. My old dead better self! ... It's gone. ... And you stay

with me."