The New era-leader. (Wagner, Charles Mix County, S.D.) 1911-1912, 1911-12-15

actually started for the stairs, Intend
Ing to execute her threat, when the
perspiring Tommy succeeded in stop
ping her, by plainly hurting out the
exact truth.
Don't you ever do It," he insisted.
THE marshal brought her In here,
and fired q fellow out O. the 0 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 I 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 gasped at last. Then
then what else can you give met"
The officers 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 a late supper; she had received a
call from the manager Of that most
popular resort. and had rendered his
life miserable by 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 49," and give that other woman
a piece of her mind. Then some n
raped on the door. There was a de-
cided accent of ~vexation in the voice
which babe 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 the remarkable resemblance
between this woman and that other
whom he had left at Fort Larned. AS
Miss Maclaire, stood with back toward
the window, she presented the same
youthful appearance, the same slen-
derness Of figure, the same contour Of
face.
Miss Christie Maclaire?" he asked,
as though In doubt.
\ Yes" g~raciously, won instantly by
the mans appearance and manner,
you wished to see me? Will you be
seated?"
He crossed the narrow room to the
-l,a l~~l~~I ohcfv frIfnofoA 0nA thn
lady sank negligently down into her
own. resting her head against a pill
low, and regarding him ex~pectantly.
He could view her now much moro
distinctly, observing the slight differ
ence in age, the fuller lips, the darker
shade of the hair, and the varied e.
preston of the eyes. 1t was as If a
different soul had looked forth from
the same face. He had eve before
realized how little, apparently triling,
details marked the human counter
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 IL a perfect fright" she
observed briskly, "but what can one
expect in these mushroom towns.
Really l 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 his head, smiling, some
what perplexed at his reception.
Really 1 didn't suppose you were"
she vent on, "you don't look It. But
there are so many who come to me
to help them that I have grown sus.
picious Of every stranger. May I ask
why you desired to see me?"
Another suspicion had taken pos
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 because l was sent
for. Miss Maclaire," he replied, his
gray eyes once again upon her face
Doctor Fairbain gave me your mes
z l nm Jack Keith
She looked the complete o
!. ment she felt, sitting up in the chair
her eyes filed with questioning doubt
Doctor Fairbain! My message!
Surely you are mistaken? know nc
!. one Of that name. and have sent nc
: message"
s aYou did not express q desire to see
mel"
4 she laughed. exhibiting 9 row Of
: white teeth.
{ Certainly not; not until this mo
!. ment wal I even aware Of the exis
I ence Of MI. Jack Keith"
> His own eyes smiled in response Z
; challenge OF hers.
; Il can assure you the surprise wa
mine also" he FASTENED to inform her
: now more 1t ease. a he grasped thu
= situation. II could not understand
{ how | hae become known to you, We
= -y~a~~ vO,, NV word The maRRa n