Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1911-12-07

but-but cannot even tell the names
know something even OF the person he
does business with have been nc
quainted with Hawiey for several
years, and have never been. aware Of
any honorable business he has ever
engaged In. He Is q professional
gambler. known on the frontier as
Black Bart; last night &c was rum
ming faro game across there in the
Palace. | cannot help wondering
what kind Of business such fellow
could possibly have with you. Miss
Maclaire."
The woman's eyes flashed. harden
ing in their brown depths.
What right have yon to ask7" she
began Indignantly. Il am capable Of
deciding my own AFFAIRS. AS I have
told you have never met Mr.. Haw-
ley, but am not to besi Influenced
against him merely by the denuncia-
ton of an .avoWed enemy He has
written me OF something he has dis
covered which is OF deep personal in
terest to me. and has promised to tell
me the details, as we'll as place within
my hands certain necessary papers"
81 appreciate your feelings, he said
gently, as she paused, but would you
mind telling me the nature OF those.
| papers?"
There was something in Keith's
face which told of honesty, and in
spired confidence. Miss Maclaire's
worldly experience had given her deep
1 insight into the character OF men, and
1 somehow. as she looked into the clear
gray eyes, she felt impelled to answer.
vague doubt of the unknown HRw-.
ley In her mind
."They-they were papers to estab-
lish identity He had discovered them
by accident: they have to do with an
inheritance. Really that is all know.
FLOR he wrote very briefly. stating It
Rather to keep me from learning
the truth, Mr.. Jack Keith she burst
4 forth. rising to her feet Indignantly.
+ You are here trying to prejudice me-
against Mr. Hawley. He is your enc
my, and you have come to me stab
bing him in the back for revenge.
That is your interest Well. l am go
ing to see the man. and consider what
he has to say. don't care half so
much about the money as | do to find
out who | AMI II he can throw any
light on my early life. on my parent
age. shall be the happiest woman
in the world. am sorry | told you
anything but ! am going to SEES him
! Just the same. Perhaps he might tell
] me something about you"
They were both standing, the wom-
ans eyes flashing angrily. defiantly.
her hands clinched Keith, realizing
1 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 a swim
dler could easily dupe into becoming
tool.
Miss Maclafre.' he began, de-
termined on his course. listen to me
for just moment. am
There was rap at the door me
eyes of 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 Maclaire 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-
i er handsome face clearly revealed as
he fronted the window. his black, au'
j dacious eyes fixed appreciatingly upon
4 the lady. stood Black Bart Hawley
: He saw no one but her. realized nc
other presence, had no thought except
to, make a good impression. He was
facing beautiful woman. whom he
sought to use. and he bowed low. hal
in hand
ITO BE coNTINUED1