Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-10-05
CHAPTER XIII.
An Unexpected Meeting.

Hawley into confession of his pur-
pose. II was easy for him to con-
ceive what would be the final result
Ct this interview between the artistic
gambler and Miss Maclaire. In spite
of the vague suspicion Of evil which
the plainsman had implanted within
the woman's mind, the other possessed
the advantage, and would certainly
improve It. All conditions were de.
cidedly in his favor. He merely
needed to convince the girl that she
she would go forward playing the
game he desired. believing herself
right, totally unconscious of any
fraud. The very simplicity Of It rem.
dered the plot the more dangerous.
the more difficult to expose. Hawley
had surely been favored by fortune in
discovering this singer who CHANGED
to resemble Hope so remarkably, and
who, at the same time, was in such
ignorance as to her own paTeatace.
She would be ready to grasp ar a
straw, and, once persuaded as to her
identity and legal rights, could hence
forth be trusted implicitly as an ally.
Realizing all this, and comprehend.
ing also how easily Hawley would win
her confidence and overcome his
warning by denouncins him as a fugi.
tive from Justice charged with murder,
the temptation to return and fight Il
out then and there became almost
overpowering. He had no fear OF
Hawley indeed physical fear had
scarcely a place in his composition.
but he was not as yet sufficiently for
tfled with facts for the seeking Of
such an encounter. He could merely
guess at ,he truth. unable to produce
any proof with which to meet the
gamblers certain denial.
A man came in through the office,
and began climbing the stairs. He
was almost at the landing before
Keith recognized him or the other
glanced up
"Ah-seen her, SUPPOSE"
Yes" returned Keith, not thinking
It worth while to mention the lady 8
denial of having sent for him. 81 have
!lst come from mere.
"Hum-thought you'd be through by
this time-fine looking girl, amt she?
believe I'll run in and chat with her
myself"
u would advise you to select some
other time, Doctor" said the younger
drily, as the lady has a visitor at
lrtsent."
"A visitor" his face rosy, his
snrewd eyes darkenng "Ah, indeed
OF the male SEX
i judge so-'Black Bart Hawley."
Good Lord so startled his voice
broke. Did he see you?"
Rather; | backed him ND against
adieu."
But what brought him there? Are
they acquainted"
Don't ask conundrums, Doctor. He
may be your rival with the fair lady
LOT all know. II he is, my sympa-
thies are all with you Only wouldn't
try to see Miss Christie just now; I'd
wait for clearer field Hawley ia
probably not in the best of humor."
FaiTbain stared into the face Of the
speaker, uncertain whether or not he
was being laughed at
Reckon you're right" he acknowl-
edged at last Tired. anyhow-been
out all night-thought I'd like to see
her again, though-fnest looking
woman I've met since | came West
remarkable eyes--well. III go along to
bed-see you again tomorrow, Jack"
Keith watched the sturdy figure
stamp heavily down the hallway.
loose boards creaking under his posi-.
tive tread, and smiled to himself at
the thought that he might have, in.
Iced, become truly interested in the
music hall singer Somehow. the doc.
Tor did not harmonic with the con.
cepuon Of love, or fit graciously into
the picture. Still. stranger matings
had occurred. and Cupid does not ask
permission before he plays pranks
with hearts. Keith turned again to.
ward the stairs, only to observe a
woman slowly cross the office and
commence the ascent. She was in the
shadow, her face even more deeply
shaded by her hat yet he stared at
her In amaZement-surely, II was
Miss Maclaire! Yet how could 1t be?
He had left that person scarcely Ave
minutes before In "26," and this stair
way was the only exit His hand
grasped the rail, his heart throbbine
strangely, as a suspicion Of the truth
crossed his brain. Could this be
Hope? Could 1t be that she was here
also? AS her foot touched the land
Ing. she saw him, her eyes lighting VI
suddenly in recognition, a wave OF
color flooding her cheeks.
Why Captain Keith" she exclalm
ed, extending her glovod hand frankly
you have been to my room. and were
going away. am so glad / came in
time"
81 hardly thought to meet you" he
replied, retaining her fingers in his
grasp. When did you reach Sheri
dam"
Only last night. ! had no idea you
were here until Doctor Fairbair
CHANGED TO mention your name Then
at once begged him to tell you how
exceedingly anxious I was TO see you
You see, was sure you would come
II YOU only knew I really thought
You would be here this morning. and
remained In my room waiting, but
there were some things I actually had
to have ! wasn't out ten minutes sc
you mustn't think | sent you a mes
nd no,