Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-10

renee in his den. Precisely what she meant
to say do to the Government representative,
she did not know or could not determine.
Some vague idea of making him confess to
infamy practised at Bostwicks instance
the most she had in her mind. If half the
success already achieved could be expected
here, she would have report worth while to
make when Van should presently be encoun-
tered
Impetuous, eager to hasten with her work,
she insisted upon an immediate advance.
Chenille readily supported her position.
Pratt developed shvness His forte was
hiking over desert hills Juggling transit,
running lines or levels; he felt out of place
a fighter, or even as an accuser. Nevertheless,
he went; for Beth insisted.
Already the streets crowded full of
life, as the three proceeded down the thorough
fare. A mining camp is a restless thing; its
people live IN the streets. Freight teams.
flowing currents of men, chains of dusty mules,
disordered cargoes on the sidewalks, and
couple of automobiles were glaringly cut out
from their shadows, the sunlight poured
down them. Sunlight and motion. false
fronted buildings, tents, and mountains, and
fever,-that is the camp on the desert.
With the excitement increasing upon her at
every step, Beth glanced at the crowds in
rapid search for Van. He not to be seen.
In all the throng, where old men and youths,
pale and swarthy, lazy and alert, were circu-
latng like the blood of Goldite's arteries, there
was not face she knew.
THEY came to the office where Lawrence
Lawrence was alone. He occupied the inner
apartment, as Culver had done; but the door
standing open
1t Beth who knocked and entered first
as the man called out his invitation. She
had never in her life appeared more beautiful.
Color was flaming in her cheeks as a rose.
Her eyes were exceptionally bright and brown.
The exquisite coral of her lips was delicately
tremulous with all her short, quick breathing.
Lawrence she and the others appeared
in the door and removed his hat. He was
short, florid person with beard of fiery red.
His eyes were of the lightest gray, and they
shifting. Good morning. he said in
undisguised establishment, beholding Beth.
Good morning." Beth replied family.
I'VE called Are you Mr.. Lawrence?"
AT your service" Lawrence bowed. 81
rarely expect In my line of work-my
business Miss-Miss-"
Miss Kent" said Chenille, interrupting.
And my name is Kent l suppose you're
wise to Mr.. Pratt?
Lawrence continued to bow. I'm very
happy to How are you, Pratt, how are you?
Won't you have chair, Miss Kent?'
Pratt nodded and murmured a greeting.
He decidedly uneasy.
Beth always moved by impulse. 1t fastened
her now to the issue She sat down and faced
their man. "Mr; Lawrence" she said, Il
DeleNe you Tic RESERVATION l1Ile not lOnS
ago and gave Mr. Bostwick and friend of his
the Laughing Water claim
Lawrence looked alive. Il certainly ran
the line" he said. instructions came from
from headquarters, to ascertain the precise
limitations of the reservation. The results
gave the Laughing Water claim to its present
owners, by right of prior location, after the
opening hour, the claim included in
the tract" He had uttered this speech
before. 1t fell very glibly from his tongue.
Yes, we know that, SO far it's true
said Beth, with startling candor; but we
know it isn't true at all and you've got to
confess that you made some ridiculous blunder
or else that you were bribed?
She had not intended to plump it out so
bluntly, SO BADLY; but a certain Indignation
in her breast had been rapidly increasing, and
her impulse was not to be STAYED.
Cecil murmured Glen. That's going
some!"
Lawrence turned white, whether with anger
or fright could not have been determined.
Miss Kent" he said, "you-you're making
a very serious"
Oh know!' she interrupted. Il expect
you to deny it. But great deal of money
my money-has been used and Mr..
Pratt has also the line-with myself and
my MISUNDERSTANDING so we know
that you've either been fooled or you've
cheated"
Lawrence had risen. His face was scarlet.
" ITDOn nv wOrdi" he said Pratt Won and