“Bart!” she exclaimed.
“He shall not have you!” repeated Bart. “You are mine! I’ll not let him take you from me!”
“Are you losing your reason?” she asked.
“No, no, Elsie! You are mine! Look, sweetheart, I seem to see a demon, a spirit, or something that is striving to wrest you from me. That is why you are weak and you do not grow stronger. Elsie, you love me! Fight against this unseen power that is seeking to part us—fight it with all your remaining strength! Will that you shall grow strong. If you do not, dearest girl, I’m afraid the monster may conquer! Fight, Elsie—fight for your life and for my love!”
Never had she seen Bart in such a mood. He clung to her as if fearing he would lose her at once if he relaxed his hold.
“Bart—dear Bart, it is a silly fear. Shake it off.”
“Promise me you will fight against him!” urged Hodge huskily.
“I promise.”
“Then make up your mind to get well and strong as soon as you can. It’s the only way. Throw off this weakness. You must, dear Elsie—you must!”
She repeated her promise, but still he could not get over the feeling of apprehension and dread that had assailed him.