“Ruth,” said the Harvester, “I know how impossible this seems. It is giving you no chance at all. I had intended, when I found you, to court you tenderly as girl ever was wooed before. Come with me, and I'll do it yet. The new home was built for you. The sunshine room is ready and waiting for you. There is pure air, fresh water, nothing but rest and comfort. I'll nurse you back to health and strength, and you shall be courted until you come to me of your own accord.” “Impossible!” cried the girl. “Only if you make it so. If you will come now, we can be married in a few hours, and you can be safe in your own home. I realize now that this is unexpected and shocking to you, but if you will come with me and allow me to restore you to health and strength, and if, say, in a year, you are convinced that you do not love me, I will set you free. If you will come, I swear to you that you shall be my wife first, and my honoured guest afterward, until such time as you either tell me you love me or that you never can. Will you come on those terms, Ruth?” “I cannot!” “It will end fear, uncertainty, and work, until you are strong and well. It will give you home, rest, and love, that you will find is worth your consideration. I will keep my word; of that you may be sure.” “No,” she cried. “No! But take back this money! Keep it until I tell you to whom to pay it.” She started toward him holding out the envelope. Henry Jameson, with a dreadful oath, sprang for it, his contorted face a drawn snarl. The Harvester caught him in air and sent him reeling. He snatched the revolver from the Girl and put the money in his pocket. “Ruth, I can't leave you here,” he said. “Oh my Dream Girl! Are you afraid of me yet? Won't you trust me? Won't you come?” “No.” “You are right about that, my lady; you will come back to the house, that's what you'll do,” said Henry Jameson, starting toward her. “No!” cried the Girl retreating. “Oh Heaven help me! What am I to do?” “Ruth, you must come with me,” said the Harvester. “I don't dare leave you here.” She stood between them and gave Henry Jameson one long, searching look. Then she turned to the Harvester. “I am far less afraid of you. I will accept your offer,” she said. “Thank you!” said the Harvester. “I will keep my word and you shall have no regrets. Is there anything here you wish to take with you?” “I want a little trunk of my mother's. It contains some things of hers.” “Will you show me where it is?” She started toward the house; he followed, and Henry Jameson fell in line. The Harvester turned on him. “You remain where you are,” he said. “I will take nothing but the trunk. I know what you are thinking, but you will not get your gun just now. I will return this revolver to-morrow.” “And the first thing I do with it will be to use it on you,” said Henry Jameson. “I'll report that threat to the police, so that they can see you properly hanged if you do,” retorted the Harvester, as he followed the girl.