The Mena weekly star., 1911-09-21
Continued from Last Issue.)
CHAPTER XVIII.
Interviewing WlIlouqhby.

CoOlly, yet without In the least comprehending how best to proceed Keith drew toward him the only chal, in the room. and sat down. Miss Hope-more widely known as Chri tic Maclaire--had claimed this drunken lad as her brother. but, according to Hawley, he had vehemently denied any such relationship. Yet thcre must be some previous association be. 9een the two, and what this was the plains. man proposed to discover. The prob. to talk frankly-could he be reached more easily by reference to the girl or the gambler? Keith studying the sullen, obstinate face confronting him. with instinctiye antagonism over his intrusion, swiftly determined on the girl
 Tt was not very nice of me to como fin on you this way" he began, apolo- getically. but you see I happened to know your sister"
 My sister? Oh, guess not!"
 Yes. but do." throwing a con. fidence Into his tone he was far from feeling, Miss Hope and are friends :"
 The boy sprang to his feet, his lace flushed.
 "oh. you mean Hope? Do you know her? Say. I thought you were giving me that old gag about Christie Maclaire."
 Certainly not; who Is she?"
 That's more than know; fellow came to me at Carson, and said he'd met my sister on stage west of To peka knew he was lyin'. because she's home over in Missouri. Finally, got 1t out of him that she claimed to be my sister, but her name was Maclaire. Why. don't even know her. and what do you suppose she ever picked me out for her brother forF"
 He was plainly puzzled. and perfect ly convinced 1t was all a mistake. That his sister might have left home since he did. and drifted West under an assumed name. apparently never secured to him as possible. To Keith this was the explanation, and nothing could be more natural. considering her work. yet he did not feel like shattering the lads loyalty Faith in the sister might yet save him. Perhaps the fellow who told you." he hazarded blindly, speaking the first thought which came to his mind, had some reason to desire to make you think this Maclaire girl waS your sis. ter"
 The suggestion caused him to laugh at first; then his face suddenly sob cred. as though new thought had % cured to him.
 Damn me. no, 1t couldn't be that he exclaimed. one hand pressing his head. "He couldn't be workin' - trick of that kind on me"
 Whom do you mean?"
 "A fellow named Hawley," evxsfve' D. The man who claimed to have met my sister"
 "'Black Bart Hawley?"
 The boy lifted his head again. his eyes filled with suspicion.
 Yes. if you must know: he's gambler all right. but he's stuck to me when WIS down and out You know hlm?"
 Just q little," carelessly; but what sort of a trick could he be working trying to make you acknowledgf Christie Maclaire as your sister,?
 Willoughby did not answer, shiftine uneasily about on the bed Keith waited, and a. last the boy blurted out.
 Oh, 1t wasn't nothing much. told him something when I was drunk once, that l thought maybe might have stuck to him Odd he should make that mistake. too, for l showed him Hopes picture, Bart's schooner and I didn't know but what he might have figured out trick. though ] don't see how he could. It wasn't no more than pipe dream, I reckon. Where did you meet Hopeg Back in Missouri"
 One thing was clearly evident-the boys faith in his sister. If he was to be rightly influenced. and led back to her, he must have no suspicion aroused that her life was any differ ent from what 1t nati been before he left home. Besides If Keith hoped to gain any inkling of what Hawley's purpose could be, he must win the confidence of Willoughby. This could not be done by telling him of Hopes present life. These considerations flashed through his mind, and as swift iy determined his answer.
 Oh. I've known her some time. Not long ago did her a service for which she Is grateful. Did you know she was out in this country searching for your"
 Out heref Tn Kansas7"
 Sure; that isn't much of trip Tor spirited girl She got 1t fin her head from your letters that you were Tn trouble. and set out to find you and bring you home. She didn't tell me this. but that is the way heard 't II was for her sake I came fin here Why not go to her. Willoughby, and then both of you return to Missouri? 7" The suilenness had gone out Of the boy's face: he looked tired. discour- aged.
 Where is Hopeg" he asked.
 Fort Larned. suppose. She went