e, and is kept active by the hope of a union with the object of
that preference; if so, permit me to say to you that Charles Hadley is
_dead_!"

"Perhaps, but I must have better evidence of the fact than your simple,
unsupported word, or I will not believe it. _I know you bargained to have
him killed_, but I hope God overruled your wicked intentions."

"Your hope is vain, and I will bring you the necessary witnesses to-morrow
to prove my words; at present I will state the fact, and add; for your
benefit, that, whether true or false, your destiny is the same, and from it
you cannot, shall not escape. I will now lay down the unalterable decree of
fate, which you may as vainly attempt to avoid, as to pluck down the stars
of heaven, or to blot out the sun from the firmament!"

"Perhaps."

"I give you one week in which to con the matter over in your mind; if at
the end of that time you willingly consent to become my wife, well and
good; if not, then I will make you mine whether you will or not!"

"Perhaps."

"Girl! don't presume too far on my patience. I warn you it is not the most
enduring in the world."

"I am not so sure of that. Cowards are generally very patient when there is
no danger at hand."

"You will repent this, girl!"

"And you, sir! what will you do when the rope dangles in your face?"

"Kiss my pretty wife and commend her to the compassion of her friends."

"You will never have a wife, sir. God in His infinite mercy, will spare all
my sex from such a fearful calamity."

"Enough words for this time. To-morrow I will bring the witnesses of
Hadley's death, as I promised you; and this day week I will receive your
final answer to my last offer of a peaceable marriage."

So saying, he left the room and the cave.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE EVIDENCE--DUFFEL THWARTED.

It would be difficult to tell which of the two, Eveline or Duffel, was most
uneasy, or least alarmed, during the progress of the conversation recorded
in the last chapter. Duffel feared that Bill and Dick had played him false,
and he also saw that his antagonist was too much for him in a fair contest.
Eveline felt an internal dread of her adversary, though she gave no outward
manifestation of fear, having firmly resolved to withstand his every
attack, and if need be die in defense of her virtue. When alone, however,
the feelings uppermost in her mind were those of distress and apprehension;
and as she took a survey of the position in w