Semi-weekly herald., 1911-07-31
copyright A. c. Mcclure 4 Co. lsls)

Ing. IulS Delay would give the fu
gitives start OF twenty hours. OF
even moro. and practically assure
their safety. Besides, in the light OF
Waite's application to the sheriff for
assistance. 1t was comparatively easy
to conceive of valid reason why
Hawley should vanish. and desire
likewise, to take Miss Maclaire with
him. But there was no apparent oc-
casion for his forcible abduction OF
Hope. OF course, he might have done
30 from suddenly aroused flt of an
ger at some discovery the girl had
made, yet everything pointed rather
to deliberate plan. Both horses and
men were certainly waiting there un-
der orders, Hawley's adherents in
charge, and every arrangement per
fected In advance. Clearly enough
before he ever went to the Troca-
dero-no doubt the completion OF
these final arrangements was what de-
layed his appearance at the hotel. Ii
this was all true, then 1t must have
been Christie. and not Hope, he pur-
posed bearing away with him, and the
latter was merely a victim of her mas
querade.
What would result when the man
discovered his mistake? Such dis
covery could not be delayed long, al
though the girl was quick-witted, and
would surely realize that her personal
safety depended upon keeping up the
deception to the last possible moment.
Yet the discovery must finally occur.
and there was no guessing. what form
Hawley's rage would assume when he
found himself baffied. and all his
plans for a fortune overturned Keith
fully realized Hopes peril, and his
own helplessness to serve her In this
emergency was agony. AS they hur-
ried back to the town, he briefly re-
viewed these conclusions with Waite
and Fairbain, all alike agreeing there
was nothing remaining for them to do
except to take up the trail The fugi-
tives had already gained too great an
advantage to be overhauled, but they
might be traced to whatever point
they were heading for. In spite of the
start being so far to the west, Keith
was firmly convinced that their destin-
ation would prove to be Carson City.
Procuring horses at the corral, their
forces augmented by two volunteers
both men of experience-Keith, Waite,
Fairbain and Neb departed without
delay, not even pausing to eat but
taking the necessary food with them.
The sun had barely risen when they
took up the trail. Keith, and a man
named Bristoe. slightly in advance,
their keen eyes marking every slight
sign left for guidance across the bare
plain. 1t was comparatively easy
trail to follow. leading directly into
the southwest, the pony tracks cutting
into the sod as though the reckless
riders had punched together, their
horses trotting rapidly. Evidently no
attempt had been made at conceal
ment, and this served to convince the
pursuers that Hawley still believed
his captive to be Miss Maclaire, and
that her disappearance would not be
suspected until after nightfall. In
that case the trail could not be dis
covered before the following morn
ing, and with such start, pursuit
would be useless. Tireless, steadily,
scarcely speaking except upon the
business in hand, the pursuers pressed
forward at an easy trot, Keith, in spite
Of intense anxiety, with tho remem-
brance of old cavalry days to guide