The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-08-12
me something about you"


They we're both standing, tho wom-
ans eyes flashing angrily, defiantly.
her hands clinched. Keith, realizing
the false position into which he had
drifted, hesitated to answer. He
meant to tell her the whole story, and
urge her to cooperate with him in
learning the gamblers purpose. The
woman impressed him as honest at
heart, In spite OF her life and environ.
ment; she was not one whom q swim.
dler could easily dupe into becoming
q tool
Miss Maclaire,' he began, de-
termined On his course. listen to me
Tor Just a moment. | am"
There was a rap at the door. The
eyes ci both turned that way, and
then Keith backed slowly into the
darkened corner beyond the window.
his right hand thrust into the pocket
OF his coat Miss Maolaire observed
the movement, her lips smiling, a red
flush on either cheek. Then she
stepped across the room. and opened
the door. Framed against the black
background of the hall, his dark, rath.
er handsome face clearly revealed al
he fronted the window, his black, au-
dacious eyes fixed appreciatingly upon
the lady. stood BLACK Bart" Hawley.
He saw no one but her, realized no
other pres ence, had no thought except
to make a good impression. He was
facing a beautiful woman, whom he
sought TO use. and he bowed low, hat
In hand
Miss Maclaire," he said, pleasantly,
Il trust you will pardon all that has
occurred between us, and permit me
to explain"
II do not understand" she re.
piled. puzzled by these unexpected
words. There has nothing occurred
between us, l am sure, which requires
explanation Have we met before?"
The man smiled Seeing the WON.
ans face in the shadows he was still
convinced she was the same he had
last parted with on the Salt Fork.
However, If she preferred to ignore all
that. and begin their relations anew, /.
was greatly to his liking. 1t gave him
insight into her character, and fresh
confidence that he could gain her as
sistance. Anyhow, he was ready
enough to play her game
Let us assume not" just the slight.
est trace OF mockery In the tone, "and
begin anew. At least, you will confess
the receipt of my letters| am Bart
lett Hawley."
She cast half-frightened glance to
ward Keith. and the man, following
the direction of her eyes, perceived
the presence Of the other. His right
leg went backward. his hand dropping
to the belt, his form stiffening erect
Keith's voice, low but clear in the
silence. seemed to cut the air.
mot a motion. Hawley! have you
covered"
"Oh. gentlemen. please donr..
Have no fear. Miss Maclsire; this
man and Will settle our differences
elsewhere, and not In your presence,
He stepped forth into the middle Of
the room. revolver drawn. but held
low at the hip. his watchful eyes
never deserting the gamblers face
Back up against the wall. Hawley, =
he commanded Il hardly need to tell
you how shoot. for we, at least, have
met before. Now, I'm going out, and
leave you to your interview with Miss
Maclaire. and I wish you happiness
and succsss."
He moved scross to the opening
keeping his face toward hts adver
sary; then backed out slowly. closed
the door With q snap. and sprans
aside to avoid any possibility Of a bul
let crashing after him No sound a
movement from within reached hia
eAss. however. and he waIked silently
70 the hsad Of the stairs.