The new era., 1911-12-28
CHAPTER xxII.-tcontlnued.)

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 II we ran In cold deck on
friend O. his"
What do care for what your
marshal does?"
But he's Bill Hickock. Miss. Wild
Bill"
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 sasped at last. Then
then what else can you give met"
The ofacers 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
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
raped on the door. There WAS de-
cided accent of vexation 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 strong face. The man
stood hat In hand. bowling slightly. un-
able to comprehend why he should
have been sent for. yet marvelling
again at tho remarkable resemblance
between this woman and that other
whom he had left ut Fort Larned. As
Miss Maclaire stood with back toward
the window, she presented the same
youthful appearance. the same slen-
derneas Of figure, the same contour Of
face.
Miss Christie Maclaire7'' he asked.
as though in doubt
Yes" graciously, won instantly by
tho mans appearance and manner.
t'you wished to see me? Win you bs
seated?"
He crossed the narrow room to the
stih-backed chair indicated. and the
lady sank negligently down into her
own. resting her head against a pil-
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-
hA
different soul had looked forth from
the same face. He had never before
realized how little. apparently trifling,
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 10 perfect fright" she
observed briskly. "but what can one
expect In ~these mushroom towns.
Really had never been here before.
or shouldn't have come. They pay
good money though for talent. and
we all have to live. you know. Are
are you In professional work.
He shook bis head. smiling. some
what perplexed at his reception.
Really didn't suppose you were" !"
she went on. you don't look II. But
there are so many who come to me
to help them that I have grown sus
picious Of every stranger. May ask
why you desired to see moi"
Another suspicion had taken Dos
session Of her mind. for the men Of
that section were never backward In
exhibiting admiration. yet somehow
this man did not seem exactly of that
kind
II came merely becauss was sent
Tor. Mics Maciaire," he replied, his
sgt4y eyes once again upon her sace.
Doctor Fairbain gave me your msa-
eass: ! am lack Keith"