Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1911-10-18
CHAPTER x.-(ContInued.)

"A murderl 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 u few OF the boys
over In this direction, as l wanted to
relieve you OF anxiety"
She was silent an instant. and the
man crossed to the fireplace, where
heltn 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 be
MS little game? Why had he inveigled
the girl into this lonely spot? And
"hat did he now propose doing with
her? AS he crouched there. peering
through that convenient crack in the
toor. 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 1t. her face clearly revealed
In the light of the lamp. For the first
time Keith really perceived its beauty,
IT'S fresh charm. Could such as she
be singer and dancer In a frontier con
cert hall? And II so, what strange
conditions ever drove her into that
sort of life?
Isis Fred with your" she cues.
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
i ever managed to keep away from
you so long"
She flushed to The hair, her lips
trembling at the open boldness OF his
tone.
Il prefer you would not speak
like that she protested.
And why not?" with a light laugh
Come, Christie, such fine airs are a
trife out Of place. II / 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, 1 have trusted you as
a gentleman. I 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; I don't assume | have
seen that lady too often to be mis-
taken. Don't try on that sort Of thing
with mel don't take TO II kindly.
Perhaps kiss might put you I'm bet
ter humor."
He took a step forward. as though
proposing 20 carry out his threat. but
the girl stopped him. her eyes burn.
ing with Indignation
How dare YOU" she exclaimed pas
sionately. all fear leaving her I'm sud
den resentment. You thinI, me alone
here and helpless; that you can insult
me at your pleasure Don't 20 toe
far. Mr.. Hawley. know what you
are now. and st makes no difference
what YOU may think Of me. or call me;
you'll find me perfectly able 20 defend
myself"
"Oh. indeed" sneeringly. you are
melodramatic. you should have been
al actress instead ~ a singer. But
you waste your talent out here on me
DO you imagine I fear either you. OF
your precious brother Why ! could
have him hung tomorrow
She was staring az him with wide
open eyes her face white
What what 80 you mean what
has Fred douc2"
He was cold and sarcastic
That makes no difference. r IS
what could induce men 10 swear
he had done It's easy enough Il
convict IN this country. n you ouly
know hov. I simply tell you this. SO
you won't press me too hard. Puri
tanism il out Of place west of the Mis-
souri,. especially among ladies Of YOU
profession. On, come. now. Christie
don't try to put such airs on with me
l know who you are. all right. and
can guess way you are hunting after
Pred Willoughby I pumped tho boy
and got most Of the truth out OF him
"You--you have seen him. then
siace you left me. abe faltered. be