Semi-weekly herald., 1911-07-03
CopyrlEht' A 9. Aeclurx g Co.. lsloJ

ing result he said, "as the doctor IN
formed me that Miss Christie Maclaire
was the one who desired my pres
ence"
Miss Msclairer' her voice exhibit
ing startled surprise "Why-why-
oh did forget; l never told him diff.
ferently, Why, IT was most ridicu-
lous" She laughed. white teeth
cleaning between the parted red lips,
yet not altogether happily. Let me
explain, Captain Keith, for really
have not been masquerading. Doctor
Fairbain and ! arrived upon the same
train last evening. He is such a fun
ny man, but was very nice, and offer
ed TO escort me to the hotel. remem-
ber now that although he introduced
himself, never once thought to men
ton to him my name, The town was
very rough last night-the company
had paid Off the graders was told
and there was no carriage, so we were
compelled to walk II never saw
such mob OF drunken men One
came reeling against me, and brushed
aside my veil so as to see my face.
The doctor struck him, and then the
marshal came up-you know him, Bill
Hickocl5-and the impudeut fellow
actually declared he knew me, that
| was Christie Maclaire. tried to
explain, but they hurried me on
through the crowd to the hotel, and /
became confused, and forgot Do you
suppose they registered me by that
name ?"
quite likely; at least Falrbain still
believes it was the Christie whom he
so gallantly escorted last night"
How provoking" her foot tapping
the floor, a little wrinkle between her
eyes, at seems as though | couldn't
escape that woman-does she-does
she really look Ike me?"
AT little distance, yes" he ad-
mitted, her form and face resemble
yours very closely but her hair is
darker, her eyes have different ex-
preston, and she must be FIVE or SIX
years older"
'Do-do you know her well?"
mo, indeed I have seen her sever
al times on the stage but never met
her until few moments ago"
"A few moments ago! Do you mean
she is here in this hotel?"
Yes, Miss Hope, and that WAS what
made the mistake in names so laugh
able. Fairbain gave me your mes
sage, but as coming from Christie. /
was. of course, greatly surprised. yet
responded, The lady very promptly
denied having sent for me- but as
was anxious to Interview her myself,
we managed to drift into conversation,
and must have passed a half hour
there. I might have been there still,
but for an interruption"
"Oh, indeed" with rising infection.
He glanced quickly about, reminded
of the situation
Yes, Hawley came IN. and would
prefer not to meet him here, or have
him discover you were in Sheridan.
Could we not go to your room? |
have much to tell you"
Her questioning eyes left his face,
and stared down over the rail. A heav-
lily built man, with red moustache.
leaned against the clerks desk. his
face toward them.
DO you know that man7" she asked
quickly. He followed me all the
time l was shopping. IL believe he
is the same one who jostled me in the
crowd last night"
Keith leaned past her TO get bet
ter view, but the fellow turned. and
slouched away.
II only had a glimpse, but have nc
recollection of ever seeing him before.
You heard no name?"
wild Bill called him either Scott.
or Scotty-if this is the same man."
Keith's Jaw set, the fighting light
burning in his eyes. That was the
name of the fellow rooming with VIII
loughby, the one who seemed to be
Hawley's special assistant. Was he
here as a spy? Is hands olinohed
on the rail He Was anxious to go
down and wiring the truth out of him.
but instead, he compelled his eyes TO
smile, turning back to the girl.
"A mere accident probablyi but
about my request2 May | talk with
you a few moments alone?"
She bowed, apparently sull dissads-
fed regarding his lengthy conversa-
ton with Christie, yet permitted him
to follow down the hail She held
open the door of 10" and he entered