The Mena weekly star. (Mena, Ark.) 1904-1977, 1911-11-02
Continued from Last Issue.)
CHAPTER xxx.
BY Force Of Arms.

vestibule endeavoring to see littl,
o what was transpiring without
About her was dense darkness, ant
he dare not explore the surroundings
behind could be heard, through whaI
must have been thin partition, the
,arious distractions of the stage
sh,fting scenery. music, shuffling feet
yolees. and the occasional sound OF
APPLAUSE. The girl had nerved herself
to the encounter with Hawley, but
ibis waiting here In darkness and un.
certainty tried her to the uttermost
II some one should venture out that
way how could she excuse her pres
sncs or explain her purpose7 She
found herself trembling in every limb
rom nervous fear, startled by every
strange sound. Would the man never
some7 Surely Christie herself mus
be ready to depart by this time
Almost prepared to fee before the
srors thus conjured up within her
blind, they left her as II by magic the
*nOment her straining eyes distin-
gushed the approach of a dim figure
Tiihout She could not tell who 1t
WAS, only that II was the unmistakable
2fcFn Of a man, and that he was whis-
Ming softly to himself. II might not
Efroye to be the gambler. but she must
accept the chance, for flesh and blood
could stand the strain OF waiting no
Zcnger Yet she was not conscious OF
Elear, only Of exultation. as she stepped
Worth into the open, her blood again
circulating freely in her veins. AT
Ehe slight creak of the door the man
saw her, his whistle ceasing, his hat
lifted Instantly she recognized him
rs Hawley, her heart leaping with the
Excitement of encounter
Why. hullo, Christie" he said IA
Lriiarly, Il thought was early, anf
Efxpecied a ten minutes wait. came
Put as soon as you left the stage"
"0h, | can dress in fifty when
Fhere is any cause for hurry" Hope
responded. permitting herself to drift
fnder his guidance. Are you diFap-
pointed? Would you prefer to com
pune with nature?"
Well, should say not" drawing
per hand through his arm. and then
4atting II with his own. Il have seen
}bout all care to of nature. but not
p Christie Maclaire."
You may learn to feel the same
'egarding her." Hope answered, afraid
z encourage the man, yet eagerly
learful lest she fail to play her part
fright.
Not the slightest danger" laughing
pghtly, and pressing her arm more
'iosely against his body. Although |
nust confess you exhibited some tenn
per when | was late tonight"
Did not have occasion to? A
Roman should never be kept waiting,
Specially If her engagement be Inn
'erative.'
oh, | am not finding any fault, you
title spit-hre. like you all the bet
ler because you fight But the trou-.
re was, Christie. you simply jumped
n me without even asking how II oc-
'nrred. You took IT for granted was
fte on purpose to spite you"
Well, weren't your and the girl
'lanced inquiringly up into his face,
Y they passed out of the alley into
Pc light of the Trocaderos windo VS..
'fou certainly acted that way"
No, | did not. but you wouldn't
'sten, and besides had no time then
I explain. There's lot happened
'ns afternoon | want to tell you
'oout. WIN you give me time to talk
Fith your"
/ Why, of course" surprised at the
plestion, yet full Of eagerness. why
'nould you ask that?"
Because | want you alone where
Il one can overhear a syllable. I'm
'raid of that damned hotel. You
'eter know who Is in the next room,
'nd the slightest whisper travels from
re end to the other That is one way
4 which Keith got onto our deal--he
.ad room next to Willoughby and
ko1t, and overheard them talking.
Sn not going to take any more
.nanees. VIII you 90 to 'Shoeny
pes with me?"
she drew back from him.
sheeny Joe's? You mean the sa-
Pon near the depot?"
sure what's the use Of being SO
|laeamish? You sing and dance to "a
noon crowd. don't you? oh. know
~ 70 good girl, Christie. and all
'ar I'm not ranking you with these
A 'oy-nights around here. But there's
1 reason that | can see why you
Fouid shy so at a saloon. Besides,
T. won't see any one Joe has got
eNe back room where We can be
ZONE and have bite to eat while
re talking. What do you say?"
IN would rather not" Hope fall
E'eu' bewildered by this unexpected
luest, already half-tempted to break
and run. Really III don't
ant to go there"
'ia~ley was evidently surprise at
! refusal, naturally supposing from
ne that Miss Maclaire's scruples
~ be easily overcome. This OBJ
macy OF the girl aroused bis anger.
!. , LOU women beat the devil he
s-'s'eai gruf1y. pretending TO ~
ann particular. Maybe you'd
stand out there on the prairie
+" with sweep OF his hand
oahe the horizon.
b, would catching desperately
hfas. I'm loi afraid of you:
~ Gaming yes a ~ Qalz ~