The Mena weekly star., 1911-10-05

hind In arrival, had discovered tha
 another woman--a base imposter, aat
 nally mEsquerading under her name had been duly installed in the cevsts. apartment. Driving in from the for, that morning, accompanied by two of the more susceptible junior officers conscious that she had performed most artistic work the evening before In the spacious mess-hsll. and feeling confident Of comfortable quarters awaiting her, 1t had been something of shock to be informed by the per. turbed clerk that "15" was already occupied by another "A lady what come in last night. and I naturally supposed 1t was you"
 In vain Miss Maclaire protested, ably backed by the worshipful officers who still gallantly attended her; the management was obdurate. Then she would go up herself. and throw the hussy out Indeed, too angry for bantering further words. Christie had actually started for the stairs, intend lag to execute her threat, when the perspiring Tommy succeeded in stop ping her, by plainly blurting out the exact truth.
 Don't you ever do it." he insisted. The marshal brought her in here, and fired fellow out O the room so as to give 1t to her. He'd clean out this house If we ran in cold deck on e friend O his"
 What do care for what your marshal does?"
 But he's Bill Hickock, Miss. 'wild Bin.'"
 Miss Maclaire leaned back against the stair-rail. her eyes turning from Tommy to her speechless supporters. Slowly the truth seemed to penetrate her brain.
 "oh." she gasped at last. Then then what else can you give me?"
 The officers had long since depart ed. promising. however, to remain over in town and hear her again that night at the Trocadero, with hints as to late supper; she had received a call from the manager of that most popular resort, and had rendered his life miserable by numerous demands; had passed half an hour practicing with the leader of the orchestra; but now was at last alone, tired, decided ly irritable, and still tempted to in- wade "15," and give that other woman a piece of her mind Then some one rapped on the door. There was de- cided accent of vexat!on in the voice which bade the one outside enter, but the lady's mood changed swiftly as her brown eyes perceived standing in the doorway the erect form of Keith, the light from the window revealing clearly his streng face. The man stood hat in hand. lowing slightly, un- able to comprehend why he should have been sent for. yet marvelling again at the remarkable resemblance between this woman and that other whom be had left at Fort Larned. As Miss Maclaire stood with back toward the window, she presented the same youthful appearance, the same slen- derness sf figure. the same contour of face.
 Miss Chsishs Naclairs?" he asked, as though In doubt
 Yes" graciously. won instantly by the mans appearance and manner, you wished to see me, Wili you be seated?"
 He crossed the narrow room to the stiff-backed chair indicated, and the lady sank negligently down into her own. resting her head against pill low, and regarding him expectantly. He could view her now much more distinctly, observing the slight differ ence in age, the fuller lips, the darker shade of the hair, and the varied ex- pression of the eyes. It was as if a different soul had looked forth from the same face. He had never before realized how little. apparently trifing. details marked the human counten- ance. and, embarrassed by her own scrutiny, his glance swept about the room Misunderstanding this shifting of eyes, Miss Christie sought to place the man more at ease.
 The room is q perfect fright" she observed brisiiy, but what can one expect in these mushroom towns. Really had never been here before. or l shouldn't have come, They pay good money though for talent, and we all have to live. you know. Are are you in professional workf"
 He shook his head. smiling, some what perplexed at his reception.
 Really didn't suppose you were" :" she went on. you don't look 1t. But there are SC many who come to me to help them that have grown sus- picious of every stranger. May ask why you desired to see meY"
 Another suspicion had taken pos session of her mind, for the men of that section were never backward in exhibiting ii,iis5....Ts admiration. yet somehow this man did not seem exactly of thar kind.
 q came merely because was sent for, Miss Maclaire," he replied. his gray eyes once again upon her face. Doctor Fairbain gave me your mes sage: am Jack Keith"
 She looked the complete astonish- ment she felt, sitting up in the ohair. h~r eyes filled with questioning doubt.
 Doctor Fairbain! My messageI Surely you are mistaken? know no one of that name. and have sent no message"
 You did not express desire to see me7"