The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-08-16

NJ.
You see. was sure you would come
II you only knew. really thought
you would be here this morning. and
remained In my room waiting. but
there we're some things I actually had
to have. wasn't out ten minutes, SO
you mustn't think I sent you a mes
sage and then forgot"
The nature Of the mistake was be-
coming apparent. and Keith's gray
eyes smiled as they looked into the
depths Of the brown.
Your message had rather an anus
ing result" he said. "as tho doctor In
formed me that Miss Christie Msclaire
vas the one who desired my pres
ence"
Miss Maciaire!- hes voice exhibit
ing startled surprise "Why-why-
oh. I did forget: I never told him dif-
ferentiy.. Why. Il was most ridicu-
lous." She laughed. white teeth
cleaning between the parted red lips,
yet not altogether happily. Let me
explain. Captain Keith, for really I
have not been masQueradins. Doctor
Fairbain and I arrived upon the same
train last evening He Is such q fun
ny man. but was very nice, and Offer
Cd to escort me 70 the hotel remem-
Der now that although he introduced
himself. I never once thought to men.
ton to him my name. The town was
very rough last nisht-the company
had paid Oh tho graders I was told
and there vas no carriage. 20 We were
compelled to walk IL never saw
such mob Of drunken men One
came !seling against mo, and brushed
aside my veil 50 ~ TO see my face.
The doctor struck him, and then the
marshal came up--you know him, Bill
Hickock--and the impudent fellow
actually declared he knew me, that
was Christie Msclaire. tried to
explain. but they hurried me on
through the crowd to tho hotel and
became confused. and forgot. Do you
suppose they registered me by that
name3"
Quite likely: At least Fairbain still
believes II was the Christie whom he
90 CALAMITY escorted last night"
How provoking" her foot tapping
the hoor. . little wrinkle between her
eyes. 1T seems a. though couldn't
escape that woman-does she-does
she really look like mer'
AT little distance. yes" he ad-
mitted. her form and face resemble
yours very closely. but her hair 10
darker, her eyes have Q different ex-
precision. and she must be. ave or six
years Older"
Do-do you know her vell?'
NO. indeed; have ssen her sever
a times on the stage. but never met
her until . few moments ago."
"A few moments ago! Do you mean
shs 10 hare In this hotel!"
Yes, Miss Hope. and that was what
made the mistaks In names 20 laugh
able. Fairbain gave me your mes.
sags. but a. coming from Christie. l
Wa. OF course. greatly surprised. yet
responded Tho lady very promptly
denied having sent for me, but as
wao anxious TO Interview her myself,
Ne managed to drift into conversation,
and must have passed . halt hour
there. might have been there still.
but for an interruption"
"Oh. indeed!" with rising infection.
He glanced quickly about, reminded
Of tho situation.
Yes. Hawley came In, and I would
prefer not to meet him here, or have
him discover you were In Sheridan.
Could We not 60 to your room? /
have much TO tell you"
Her questioning eyes left his face,
and stared down over the rail. A heav.
lily built man, with red moussache,
leaned against the clerks desk, his
face toward them.
DO you know that manf' she asked
quickly. He followed me all the
time I was saopping. IL believe he
10 the same one who jostled me In the
crowd last night"
Keith leaned past her to got q bet
Tor view. but the fellow turned. and
slouched away.
u only had . glimpse. but have no
recollection Of ever seeing him before.
You heard no name?~
wild Bill called him either Scott,
OF Scotty-if this Il the same man"
Keith's jaw sst the lighting light
burning In his eyes. That was the
name Of the fellow rooming with VIII
loughby. the ons who seemed to be
Hawley's special assistant Was he
hero ~ . SPY! His hands clinched
on the rail. He was anxious TO 60
down and wiring the truth out OF him.
but instead. he compelled his eyes to
smile. turning back to ths girl
"A nero accident probably, but
about my request? Nay I talk With
you few momants aloneC'
She bowed. apparently suu dissatis.
ned regarding his lengthy conversa.
ton with Christie. yet permitted him
TO follow down tho hall She held
open tho door of -16,- and be entered