Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-09-14
CHAPTER X.
Mr.. haWleY Reveals Himself.


A fragment OF candle, stuck tightly
into the neck of an empty bottle, APP
peared on a low shelf, and Keith light
ed It, the girl returning the lamp to
its former position on the front room
table Investigation revealed a dozen
cartridges fitting the revolver but no
ammunition was discovered adapted
to tho sawed-off gun, which Neb had
already appropriated, and was drag
ging about with him, peering into
each black corner in anxious search.
The two were still busily employed at
this, when to their ears, through the
stiffness of the night, there came the
unexpected noise Of splashing In the
water without, and then the sound OF
a horse stumbling as he struck the
bank. Quick as a fash Keith closed
the intervening door, extlnguIsned the
dim fame OF the candle, and grasping
the startled negro's arm, hushed him
into silence
Crouching close behind the door,
through crack Of which the light
streamed, yielding slight view of the
interior. the plansman anxiously
awaited developments. These arrivals
must certainly be some Of those con-
nected with the house, there could be
little doubt as to that. Nevertheless,
they might prove the posse following
them, who had CHANGED to stumble
accidentally on their retreat. In eth
err case they could merely wait. and
learn. Some one swore without, and
was sharply rebuked by another voice.
which ADDED an order grufly. Then
the outer latch clicked and a single
man stepped within, Immediately clos
ing the door. Keith could not see the
girl through the small aperture, but he
heard her quick exclamation. startled,
yet full OF relief
''Oh, is 1t you? | am so glad. :"
The man laughed lightly.
1T Is nice to be welcomed. although,
perhaps, after your time of loneliness
any arrival would prove a relief Did
you think | was never coming. Chris
tie?"
Il could not understand" she re-
piled, evidently with much less en-
thusiasm, and to Keith's thinking. n
shade resentful Of the familiarity, but
naturally supposed you must be unex'
pectedly delayed"
We'll, | was" and he apparently
flung both coat and hat on a bench,
with the intention of remaining. The
marshal arrested fellow for muir
der committed out on the Santa Fee
Trail. and required me as a witness
But the man got away before we had
any chance to try him. and | have
, been on his trail ever since"
. "A murder! Did you imagine he
: came this way?"
Not very likely; fact of It Is, the
, sand storm yesterday destroyed al
. traces. and, as a result, we've lost
him. So | headed few OF the boys
over In this direction, as | waGtcd tc
- relieve you Of anxiety"
She was silent an instant, AID the
man crossed to the fireplace where
Keith could gain a GLIMPSE of him
Already suspicious from the familiar
sound OF his voice, he was moi sur
prised 10 recognize Black Bart" The
l. plalnsmans fingers gripped the negro!
arm, his eyes burning. So this gambler
and blackleg was the Gentlemanly Mr.
T. Hawley, was he we'll, what could bt
: his little game? Why had he inveigle,
the girl into this lonely spot? An'
what did he now propose doing witt
her? AS he crouched there, peerinl
through that convenient crack in thu
y door, Keith completely forgot his owl
peril, intent only upon this new dis
coVery, She came slowly around tn
end Of the table, and stood leanin
against it, her face clearly reveale,
IS In the light OF the lamp. For the frs
q time Keith really perceived its beauty
Its fresh charm. Could such a. sh
s be singer and dancer in a frontier cor
6 cert hall? And II so, what strang
conditions ever drove her into tina
4, sort of life?
i Isis Fred with you?" she que.
e toned. doubtfully.
No; he's with another party ridin
lie farther west" the mans eyes surve,
y Ing her with manifest approval. "Yo
Is are certainly looking fine tonight, m
is girl, It's difficult to unders..s d ho'
e | ever managed to keep away fror
le you so long"
d She flushed to the hair, her liz
trembling at the open holiness OF hi
ht tone,
II prefer you would not spea
IT, like that" she protested
And why not?" with a light lsugl
IN Come, Christie, such fine airs are
TO trine out of place, II | didn't kno
IS you were a concert hall artist, migl
10 be more deeply impressed As II /
reckon you've heard lovc words T.
fore now"
MIR HaWleY- L have Trusted yCu .