The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-08-02
CONTINUED from page O.

little doubt as to that Nevertheless,
they might prove the posse following
them. who had chanced to stumble
accidentally on their retreat. In eth
or case they could merely wait, and
learn. Some one swore without, and
was sharply rebuked by another voice.
which added an order gruffly. Then
tne outer latch clicked, and a single
man stepped within. Immediately clos
Ing the door. Keith could not see the
girl through the small aperture, but he
heard her quick exclamation, startled.
yet full OF relief.
"Oh, Is II you? am SO glad!"
The man laughed lightly.
u is nice TO be welcomed, although,
perhaps. after your time of loneliness
any arrival would prove q relief. Did
you think was never coming. Chris
tier
Il could not understand" she 70.
Piled. evidently with much less en-
husiasm. and TO Keith's thinking, a
shade resentful OF the familiarity, but
naturally supposed you must be unex.
psctedly delayed"
Well. was" and he apparently
hung both coat and hat on a bench.
With the intention Of remaining. THE
marshal arrested fellow for q p,ur.
def committed out on the Santa Fe
Trail, and required me as q witness.
But the man got away before we had
any chance to try him, and have
been on his trail ever since"
"A murder! Did you imagine he
came this way?"
Not very likely: fact Of II ID, the
sand storm yesterday destroyed all
traces. and. a q result, we've lost
him. 30 ! headed Q few Of the boys
over IN this direction, a wanted to
relieve you Of anxiety"
Sne IVES silent an instant, and the
man crossed TO the fireplace, where
Keith could gain q glimpse of him.
Already suspicious from the familiar
sound Of his voice. he was not sur.
> pe1sea to recognize BLACK Bart" The
plaansman's fingers gripped the negro's
arm. his eyes burning. So this gambler
and blackleg was the gentlemanly Mr..
Hawisy. Wa he: we'll. what could be
his little gamei Why had he inveigled
The GIRL into this lonely spotf And
what did hs now propose doing with
herr Al he crouched there. peerinx
through that convenient crack In the
door. Keith completely forgot his own
peril. intent only upon this new dis
covsry. She came slowly around the
end OF the table, and stood leaning
sssinst II. har face cleerly revealed
~ the light OF tho lamp. For the flrst
time Keith really perceived It's beauty,
its fresh charm Could such az she
b singer and dancer In frontier con.
Vcsrt halli And II 90. What strange
conditions ever drove ner into that
sort Uf llfef
is--is FreS with your- she Ques.
, toned. doubtf ~.
no: he's " b another party riding
farther vest.- no H.. oyos survey.
ins her with manifest approval. "You
ars certainly looking fne tonight, my
girl IT'S dincut TO understand how
] ever managed 10 keep away from
you 20 long"
She dushed 70 the hair. her lips
trembling At the open boldness OF his
tone.
II prefer you would not speak
Ike that" she protested.
And why notr" with Q light laugh.
Come. Christie. such fine airs are q
0fns out OF place. II I didSt know
you were . concert hall artist, might
b more deeply impressed. Al Il In
! reckon you've heard love words b.
fore now"
"Mr. Hawley. have trusted you a.
. gentleman I never came here ex.
ccpt 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. I have
seen that lady too often TO be mis-.
taken. Don't try on that sort of thing
with me-f don't take to Il kindly.
Perhaps kiss might put you In bet.
ter humor."
He took step forward, a. though
proposing to carry out his threat. but
the girl stopped him. her eyes burn.
Ing with Ind nation.
How dare you!" she exclaimed pas
sionately. all fear leaving her In sud.
den resentment You think me alone
here and helpless: that you can insult
me at your pleasure. Don't 20 too
Tar. Mr.. Hswley. I know what you
are now. and II makes no difference
what you may think OF me. or call me;
you'll find me perfectly able TO defend
myself"
oh, indeedl" sneeringly. you are
melodramatic; you should have been
an actress instead of a singer. But
you waste your talent out here on me.
DO you imagine fear either you. or
your precious brother7 Why. could
have him hung tomorrow
She was staring at him with wide