The Mena weekly star., 1911-07-27
Continued from Last Issue.)
 CHAPTER X.
Mir. H.wIey Rsveals Himself.


 peared on a low shelf. and Keith light. ed 1t, the girl returning the lamp to it's former position on the front room table. Investigation revealed a dozen cartridges fitting the revolver. but no ammunition was discovered adapted to the sawed-off gun, which Neb had already appropriated. and was drag. ging about with him. peering into each black corner in anxious search. The two were still busily employed at this. when to their ears. through the stiffness of the night. there came the unexpected noise of splashing in the water without. and then the sound of a horse stumbling as he struck the bank. Quick as flash Keith closed the intervening door, extinguished the dim flame of the candle, and grasping the startled negro's arm, hushed him into silence.
 Crouching close behind the door, through a crack of which the light streamed, yielding slight view of tho interior, the plainsman anxiously awaited developments. These arrivals must certainly be some of those con nected with the house; there could bc little doubt as to that Nevertheless, they might prove tho posse following them, who had chanced to stumble accidentally on their retreat. In eith- CT case they could merely wait, and learn. Some one swore without, and was sharply rebuked by another voice. which added an order grufiy. Then the outer latch clicked, and single man stepped within; immediately clos ing the door. Keith could not sec the girl through the small aperture, but he heard her quick exclamat,~p, startled. yet full of relief.
 "Oh. is 1t you? am so gladi~
 The man laughed lightly.
 Tt Is nice to be welcomed, although, perhaps. after your time of loneliness any arrival would prove a relief. Did you think was never coming, Chris tief"
 T could not understand" she re- piled. evidently with much less en- thusissm. and to Keith's thinking, a shade resentful of the familiarity. but naturally supposed you must be unex- pectedly delayed"
 Well. was." and he apparently flung both coat and hat on bench. with the intention of remaining. "The marshal arrested a fellow for mur. der committed out on the Santa Fe Trail. and required mo as a witness. But the man got away before we had any chance to try him. and I have been on his trail ever since"
 "A murder Did you imagine he came this wayf"
 Not very likely: fact of it is. the sand storm yesterday destroyed all traces. and. as Q result, we've lost him. So I headed few of tho boys over in this direction. as wanted to relieve you of anxiety"
 She was silent an instant. and the man crossed to the fireplace. where Keith could gain a glimpse of him. Already suspicious from the familiar sound of his voice. he was not sur prised to recognize Black Bart" The plainsman's fingers gripped the negro's arm, his eyes burning. So this gambler and blackleg was the gentlemanly Mir. Hawley. was he; well. what could he bis little game7 Why had he inveigied the girl into this lonely spot7 And what did he now propose doing with herr As he crouched there. peering through that convenient crack in the door. Keith completely forgot his own peril. intent only upon this new dis covery. She came slowly around the end of the table. and stood leaning against 1t, her face clearly revealed in the light of the lamp. For the first time Keith really perceived it's beauty, its fresh charm. Could such as she be singer and dancer In frontier con. cert hall? And if so, what strange conditions ever drove her into that sort of life7
 Isis Fred with you7" she ques toned. doubtfully.
 No: he's with another party riding farther west" the mans eyes survey ing her with manifest approval. You are certainly looking fine tonight, my girl. It's dif11cult to understand how l ever managed to keep away rom you so long"
 She flushed to the hair. her lips trembling at the open boldness of hif tone.
 'I-I prefer you would not speah like that she protested.
 And why nots' with a light laugh Come, Christie, such fine airs are [ trifie out of place. If didn't know you were concert hall artist, might be more deeply impressed. Az 1t is l reckon you've heard love words be fore now"
 "Mr. Hawiey. have trusted you a' a gentleman. I never came here ex cept on your promise to bring me te my brother" and shc stood erect be fore him. You have no right to ever assume that am Christie Maclaire.'
 Sure not; don't assume. have seen that lady too often 10 be mis taken. Don't try on that sort of thinl with mel don't take to t kindly Perhaps kiss might put you In be- tor humor."
 He took a step forward. as thougi proposing to carry out his threat, bu' the girl stopped him. her eyss burn tng with indignation
 How dare you.- she exclaimed par