Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-10-19
BY Force Of Arms,


About her was dense darkness, ant
she dare not explore the surroundings
Behind could be heard, through what
must hnve been thin partition, the
various distractions of the stage
shifting scenery, music, shuifling feet
voices, and the occasional sound OF
applause. The girl had nerved herself
to the encounter with Hawiey, but
this waiting here in darkness and un
certainty tried her to the uttermost
If some one should venture out that
way how could she excuse her pres
ence or explain her purpose? She
found herself trembling in every limb
from nervous fear, startled by every
strange sound. Would the man never
come? Surely Christie herself must
be ready to depart by this time.
Almost prepared TO fee before the
terrors thus conjured up within her
mind, they left her as II by magic the
moment her straining eyes distin-
gutshed the approach Of dim figure
without She could not tell who it
was, only that 1t was the unmistakable
form Of a man. and that he was whis-
thing softly TO himself. It might not
prove to be the gambler, but she must
accept the chance, for fiesh and blood
could stand the strain of waiting no
longer. Yet she was not conscious OF
fear, only of exultation, as she stepped
forth into the open, her blood again
circulating freely in her veins. AT
the slight creak Of the door the man
saw her, his whistle ceasing, his hat
lifted. Instantly she recognized him
as Hawley, her heart leaping with the
excitement of encounter.
why, hullo, Christie" he said IA
military, Il thought | was early, and
expected a ten minutes wait. I came
out as soon as you left the stage"
"Oh. ] can dress in a jiffy when
there is any cause for hurry" Hope
responded, permitting herself to drift
under his guidance Are you disap-
pointed? Would you prefer to com
mune with nature?'
Well. should say not" drawing
her hand through his arm. and then
patting 1t with his own. Il have seen
about all | care to of nature. but not
Of Christie MaclaiTe."
You may learn to feel the same
regarding her." Hope answered, afraid
20 encourage the man, yet eagerly
fearful lest she fail to play her part
Alright
Not the slightest danger" laughing
lightly. and pressing her arm more
closely against his body. Although |
must confess you exhibited some tenn
per when | was late tonight"
Did ! not have occasion to? A
woman should never be kept waiting,
especially If her engagement be i'm
peratve."
"Oh, I am not finding any fault, you
little spit-fre. I like you ali the bet
ter because you fight, But the trou-
BILE was. Christie, you simply jumped
on me without even asking how It oc-
CURED. You took II for granted was
late on purpose to spite you"
We'll. weren't you?" and the girl
glanced inQairingly up into his face,
as they passed cut of the alley into
the light Of the Trocadero's windows.
You certainly acted that way"
No. did not: but you wouldn't
iistsn, and besides had no time then
to explain. There's a lot happened
this afternoon want to tell you
about VIII you give me time to talk
with your
why. C. coWse," surprised at the
question, let full Of eagerness. Why
should you ask thatf"
''Secause want you alone where
no one can Sverhcar a syllable. I'm
afraid OF that damned hotel. You
never know who is in the next room.
md the slightest whisper travels from
enc end to the other That is one way
In which Keith GOT onto our deal-he
had room uext 70 Willoughby and
Scott, and overheard them talking
I'm not going to take any more
chances VII! you so to 'Sheeny
Joe's' with mel"
She drew back from him.
'Sheeny Joe's2' You mean the sa.
soon near the depot?"
Sure; what's the use of being 80
iqueamish2 You sing and dance to a
saloon crowd, don't your Oh, know
you're good girl, Christie. and all
that I'm not ranking you with these
hy-by-nighs around here. But there's
no reason that I can see why you
should shy SO at Q saloon. Besides,
you won't see any one Joo has got
some back room where We can be
alone. aud have bite to cat while
we're talking. What do you say9"
"Oh. would rather not" Hope fall
tered. bswtldered by this une1p cted
request already aalf'tempted to break
away and run Really II don't
want to 10 there
Hawley was evidently surprise at
this rcfusal. naturally supposing from
her life that Miss Maciatre's scruples
would be easily overcome. This OBJ
sunncy Of the girl aroused his anger
You women heat the devii." hs
calculated. grumy. pretending to be
30 damn particular. Maybe you'd
:Hathe1 stand out there on the prairie
and talkT with a sweep OF his hand
around the horizon.
Yes. would" catching desperately
~ Tho straw I'm NOT afraid of you:
I'm not blaming you at all, only II
don't want TO so to Sheeny Joe's''
He locked at her. puzzled at her at
usude. and yet somewhat treasured by
hsT e1pr~aSioa n confidence. Ola.
vlen What was n. d.Rarenoe9 "