The Mena weekly star., 1911-11-09

mixed up a bit, but Just the same you
were the one really wanted. Hopes
all right; she's a mighty fine girl. but
you are the one for me, Christie
Could you-could you care for such a
duffer as | ann"
Her lips we're smiling and so we're
her eyes, but It was pleading smile.
IL don't think 1t would be SO
very hard" she admitted, mot II you
really wanted me to-"
You know what ! mean--that love
you-wish you to be my wife?"
Il supposed that was it-that-that
you wanted me.
Yes, and-and you viii lover"
Her head dropped slowly. so slowly
he did not realize the significance of
the action until her lips touched his
hand
Il do" she said; you are the best
man in the world"
Fairbain could not move. could not
seem to realize what 1t all meant The
outcome had been so sudden. so sur
prising, that all power of expression
deserted him. In bewilderment he
lifted her face and looked into har
eyes. Perhaps she realized with the
swift intuition of clever woman
the mans perplexity. for instantly she
led his mind to other things.
But let us not talk OF ourselves
any more, tonight. There is so much
wish to know; so much that ought
% be done" She sprang to her feet.
Why. It is almost shameful for us to
stay here, selhshly happy, while 9TH
ers are in such trouble. Have they
discovered Hopper"
NO: we secured the whole town
and found no trace. Now they are out.
side on the prairie, but there can be
little chance of their picking up
trail before daylight"
And Hawley?"
"He has vanished ALSO without
doubt they are together. What do
sou SUPPOSE he can want OF herr How
do you imagine he ever got her to
go with him? She isn't that sort of a
girl"
She shook her head. shivering Mt
tie.
He must have mistaken her for
me perhaps has not even yet discov-
cred his mistake. But what 1t al
means, or how he gained her consent
to go with him, | cannot conceive
She stood with hands casped, star
Ing out Of the window.
There is little light showing al
ready" she exclaimed, pointing. See,
yonder Oh, trust the will find her
alive, and unhurt. That man, be
lieve, is capable of any crime. but
should you remain here with me7
am in no danger"
you really wish me to go. Chris
tie?"
Not that way--not that way" and
she turned impulsively, with hands
outstretched "Of course want YOU
hero with me. but want you to help
bring Hope back"
He drew her to him. supremely hap
by now, every feeling OF embarrass-
ment lost in complete certainty of pos
session.
And | will" he said solemnly.
Wherever they may have gone shall
follow. | am going now, dear, and
when | como back you'll be glad to see
me2"
shall II" her eyes uplifted to his
own, and swimming In tears. Il Will
be the happiest girl In all the world. /
reckon. oh, what night this has
beenl What wonderful night! II
has given me name. mother, and
the man | love"
He kissed her. not in passion, but
in simple tenderness. and as he turned
away she sank upon her knees at the
window, with head bowed upon the
sill, At the door he paused anc
looked back, and she turned and
smiled at him. Then he went out,
and she knelt there silently, gazing
forth into the dawn, her eyes blurred
with tears--facing a new day, and q
new life.
CONTINUED Next Week.