The Mena weekly star., 1911-11-16
Continued from Last Issue.)
CHAPTER xxxlII.
Following the Trail.

ANe WHhurhWal OF the shSrtn mere
y stimulated Keith to greater activity
1t was clearly evident the fugitiyes
were endeavoring with all rapidity
possible to get beyond where the hand
OF law could reach them-their trail
striking directly across the plains ina
the barren southwest was proof of this
purpose. Yet It was scarcely likely
they would proceed very far in that
direction, as such course would
bring them straight into the heart OF
the Indian country, into greater dan.
ger than that from which they fed
Keith felt no doubt that Hawley In
tended making for Carson City, where
he could securely hide the girl, and
where he possessed friends TO rally
to his defence. even an influence over
the officers Of the law. The one thing
which puzzled him most was the
mans object in attempting so desper-
ate venture. Did he know his pris-
oner was Hope Waite? or did he still
suppose he was running of with Chris
tie Maclaire? Could some rumor OF
Yates appeal to the courts have
reached the gambler. frightened him,
and caused him to attempt this des.
perate effort at escape? and did he
bear Miss Maclaire with him, hoping
to keep her safely concealed until
he was better prepared to come out in
open fight? II this was the actual
state OF affairs then it would account
for much otherwise hard to explain
The actress would probably not have
been missed, or, at least, seriously
sought after, until she failed to ap
pear at the theater the following even
ing. This delay would give the fu-
gitives a start of twenty hours, or
even more. and practically assure
their safety. Besides. in the light OF
Wsite's application to the sheriff for
assistance, 1t was comparatively easy
to conceive of valid reason why
Hawley should vanish. and desire,
likewise. to take Miss Maclaire with
him. But there was no apparent oc-
casion for his forcible abduction OF
Hope. or course, he might have done
so from a suddenly aroused At OF an
ger at some discovery the girl had
made, yet everything pointed rather
to a deliberate plan. Both horses and
men were certainly waiting there un-
der orders. Hawley's adherents In
charge, and every arrangement per
fected in advance. Clearly enough
the gambler had planned 1t all out
before he ever went to the Troca-
dero-no doubt the completion OF
these Anal arrangements was what de
isyed his appearance at the hotel II
this was all true, then 1t must have
been Christie, and not Hope, he pur-
posed bearing away with him, and the
latter was merely victim of her mas
querade.
What would result when the man
discovered bis mistake? Such dis
covery could not be delayed long, al
though the girl was quickwitted, and
would surely realize that her personal
safety depended upon keeping up the
deception to the last possible moment.
Yet the discovery must finally occur,
and there was no guessing what form
Hawiey's rage would assume when he
found himself tafhed, and all his
plans for fortune overturned. Keith
fully realized Hopes peril, and his
own helplessness to serve her In this
emergency was agony. AS they hur-
ried back to the town, he briefly re-
viewed these conclusions with Waite
and Fairbain, all alike agreeing there
was nothing remaining for them to do
except to take up the trail. The fugN
itives had already gained too great an
advantage to be overhauled, but they
might be traced to whatever point
they were heading for In spite of the
start being SO far to the west, ksttn
was firmly convinced that their destin.
alton would nrove to be Carson CITY
procuring horses at the corral, their
orces augmented by two volunteers
Doth men of experience-Keith. waite,
Fairbain and Neb departed without
delay. not even pausing to eat but
taking the necessary food with them
The sun had barely risen when they
took up the TRAIL Keith, and mas.
named Bristoe, slightly In ADVANCE
their keen eyes marking every slight
sign left for guidance across the bare
plain. II was a comparatively easy
trail to follow, leading directly into
the southwest, the pony tracks cutting
into the sod as though the reckless
riders had punched together, their
horses trotting rapidly. Evidently no
attempt had been made at conceal
nlent, AMI this served 10 convince re
pursuers that Hawley still believed
his captive to be Miss Maclaire. ana
that her disappearance would not De
suspected until after nighuail. In
that case the trail could not be dis
covered before the following morn
ing. and with such start. pursuit
would be useless. Tireless. steadily
scarcely speaking except upon the
business in hand, the pursuers pressed
forward at an easy trot. Keith, In spite
OF Intense anxiety. with the remem-
hrance Of old cavalry days to guide