Page:Looters of the Public Domain.djvu/133

 presented itself, and never failing, upon these occasions to invite me to indulge in some sumptuous repast afterwards, which I always accepted, as the dinners to which he treated me were of the swellest character. Nothing, in fact, was too good for me, and it afforded me a great deal of pleasure to 'blow' him, as I did not care particularly for him, and was indifferent how much money he might squander on me.

"After remaining in Spokane about a month, I returned to my home at Eugene, Oregon, and had only been back a few days when I was much surprised to receive a call from my new-found friend. He was aware, of course, of my intended departure, but gave me no intimation that he would follow me home. He lost no time in stating that he desired to see me in regard to an important matter, and requested that I join him that evening at the hotel, where we could enjoy a nice dinner together.

"I became convinced then that something was up, but just what the nature of his mission was I could not clearly fathom, although I surmised that he was connected in some way with the Government Secret Service, and was endeavoring to cultivate me with a view of securing a confession of some sort that could be used against us at the approaching trials. At all events, I had perfect confidence in my ability to withstand his inquisitions, hence did not feel the least bit of hesitancy in continuing the round of pleasure he was affording me."

"So you called at the hotel to see him, then?" I inquired.

"Certainly not!" responded Marie with some dignity. "I guess I have lucid intervals. I simply replied, acknowledging receipt of his message, and stated that I would be pleased to dine with him at the hotel, but that it would be necessary for him to call for me at my home. This he did, and that evening, after dinner, I entertained the gentleman by showing him some of the local points of interest, after which he accompanied me to my residence, where he left me and returned to his hotel, without making any mention whatever of the 'important matter' he wished to see me about. As I did not deem it wise to broach the subject, I was forced to remain in ignorance temporarily of his intentions.

"When he called the next day, in response to my permission to do so, he had not been with me long before matters assumed a very serous aspect. After reviewing our short acquaintance, which he declared had constituted the very salad of his existence, he went on to explain how his feeling for me had ripened into a perfect torrent of love, and that life without me would become as bleak and dreary to him as the desert of Sahara. It was really pathetic, this story of unrequited affection, and I was deeply touched because of his ardent revelations.

"He then went on to explain about his big mining deals: how he represented some of the greatest financiers of the country in the purchase of mining properties, and which position enabled him to secure holdings of great personal value in his own name. He also told me of deals which he expected to consummate in the near future, after which he would probably be called upon to make a flying trip to Australia.

"'How delightfully sublime it would be,' he continued in the rapture of his passionate outburst, 'if you could only accompany me,' and then, as an evidence of good faith, he continued: 'li you will go, your every desire in life will be guaranteed!' and he became so enthusiastic at this point that I experienced great difficulty in keeping him within bounds.

"I endeavored to reason that it was all so sudden; that I had never thought of such a thing, and that he must give me time to think the matter over.

"'Now, Miss Ware—my darling Marie!' he continued in his ecstacy, 'if you will consent to my plan, I will, before our departure—even now, if you insist upon it, transfer one of the mines over to you which I contemplate purchasing. There is one,' he continued, 'which I have fully decided to buy, but do not wish to be known personally in the transaction, and if you so desire I shall have it deeded direct to you.' Page 127