Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1911-09-26
CHAPTER x.-(continued.)

SEEfNF En- A. SOntiNuSQ.)
"a murder! Did you imagine he
came this way?'
Not very likely; fact of It is, the
sand storm yesterday destroyed all
traces, and, as a result, we've lost
him. So / headed a few of the boys
over in this direction, as / wanted to
relieve you of anxiety"
She was silent an instant, and 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 not sur
prised to recognize "Black Bart" The
plainsman's fingers gripped the negro's
arm, his eyes burning So this gambler
and blackleg was the gentlemanly Mr.
Hawley, was he; well, what could lie
his little game? Why had he inveigled
the girl into this lonely spot? And
what did he now propose doing with
her? AS he cTouched there, peering
through that convenient crack in the
door, Keith completely forgot his own
peril, intent only upon this new dis
covery. She came slowly around the
end of the table, and stood leaning
against it, her face clearly revealed
in the light Of the lamp. For the first
! time Keith really perceived its beauty,
its fresh charm. Could such as she
be singer and dancer in a frontier con-
cert hall? And if so. what strange
conditions ever drove her into that
sort OF life?
Isis Fred with your" she ques-
toned, doubtfully.
No; he's with another party riding
farther west" the mans eyes survey
ing her with manifest approval. You
are certainly looking fine tonight. my
girl. It's difficult to understand how
l ever managed to keep away from
you so long"
She flushed to the hair, her lips
trembling at the open boldness of his
tone
II prefer you would not speak
like that" she protested.
And why not?" with light laugh.
'Come, Christie, such fine airs are a
trife out of place. If | didn't know
you were a concert hall artist, might
be more deeply impressed. AS 1t is,
reckon you've heard love words be-
fore now"
"Mr. Hawley, | have trusted you as
a gentleman. | never came here eX-
cept on your promise to bring me to
my brother" and she stood erect be-
fore him. You have no right to even
assume that ! am Christie Maclaire."
Sure not; don't assume. l have
seen that lady too often to be mis-
taken. Don't try on that sort OF thing
with mel don't take to it kindly.
Perhaps kiss might put you in bet.
ter humor."
He took a step forward, as though
proposing to carry out his threat, but
the girl stopped him. her eyes burn
ing with indignation.
How dare you'll" she exclaimed pas
sionately, all fear leaving her in sud
den resentment. You think me alone
here and helpless; that you can insult
me at your pleasure. Don't go too
far, Mr.. Hawley. / know what you
are now, and it makes no difference
what you may think of me- or call me;
you'll find me perfectly able to. defend
myself"
"Oh, indeed" sneeringly, you are
melodramatic; you should have been
an actress instead of a singer. But
you waste your talent out here on me.
Do you imagine l fear either you or
your precious brother? Why, could
{ have him hung tomorrow"
She was staring at him with wide
open eyes, her face white.
'What-what do you mean? What
has Fred done?"
He was cold and sarcastic.
That makes no difference; it is
what | could induce men to swear
he had done. It's easy enough to
convict in this country, if you only
know how. / simply tell you this, so
you won't press me too hard. Puri-
tanism is out of place west OF the Mis-
souri,, especially among ladies of your
profession. Oh. come, now, Christie.
don't try to put such airs on with me.
know who you are. all right, and
can guess why you are hunting after
Fred Willoughby. pumped the boy,
and got most of the truth out of him.
Hou-you have seen MN, theh'
since you left me-" she faltered. be
wildered. and didn't bring him here
with your"
Why should -" and the man stepped
forward, his eyes on her. his
hands twitching with a desire to clasp
her to him, yet restrained by some I'M
definable power, While | believed
your brother story, could have play
ed the good Samaritan most beautiful
ly, but after talked with Willorghby
| prefer him at a distance"
My brother story Do you mean
to insinuate you doubt his being my
brother? He told you that9"
He gave up the whole trick. You
can't trust a kid like that. Chrisna a
couple of drinks will loosen his ton