Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-06

but-but i cannot even tell the names
know something even OF the person he
does business with. I have been &C.
quainted with Hawley for several
years. and have never been aware Of
any honorable business he has ever
engaged in. He is professional
gambler. known on the frontier az
Black Bart last night he was rum
| ming faro game across there In tho
Palace cannot help wondering
what kind OF business such fellow
could possibly have with you. Miss
Maclaire."
The woman's eyes flashed. harden
ing In their brown depths.
What right have you to ask" she
began Indignantly. Il am capable OF
deciding my own affairs. As have
told you have never met Mr.. Haw-
ley. but am not to be Influenced
against him merely by the denuncia-
ton of an avowed enemy. He has
written me Of something he has dis
covered which is Of deep personal In
| terest to me, and has promised to tell
me the details. as well as place within
my hands certain necessary papers"
II appreciate your feelings" he said
gently, as she paused. but would you
mind telling me the nature OF those
papers7"
There was something in Keith's
face which told Of honesty. and in.
spired confidence Miss Maclaire's
worldly experience had given her deep
insight into the character OF men, and
somehow. as she looked into the clear
gray eyes, she felt impelled to answer.
vague doubt Of the unknown Haw-
ley In her mind.
"They-they were papers to estab
lish identity. He had discovered them
by accident; they have to do with an
inheritance. Really that Is all know.
for he wrote very briefly. stating ii
Rather to keep me from learning
the truth. Mr.. Jack Keith" she burst
forth. rising to her feet Indignantly
You are here trying to prejudice me
against Mr.. Hawley. He is your enc
bling him In the back for revenge
That Is your interest WE'LL am 90
Ing to see the man. and consider wha'
he has to say. don't care halt sc
much about the money as do to INC
out who am II he can throw any
light on my early life. on my parent
age. shall be the happiest woman
| in the world. am sorry told you
anything-but am going to see him
just the same. Perhaps he might tell
me something about you"
They were both standing. the WON
ans eyes flashing angrily, defiantly
her hands clinched Keith. realizing
the false position into which he had
drifted. hesitated to answer. He
meant to tell der the whole story, and
urge her to cooperate with him In
learning the gamblers purpose. The
| woman impressed him as honest al
heart. in spite Of her life and environ
ment; she was not one whom swim
dler could easily dupe into becoming
a tool.
Miss Maclaire.'' he began. de-
termined on his course, listen to me
for just moment am"
There was rap at the door. rne
eyes of both turned that way. and
then Keith backed slowly into the
darkened corner beyond the window.
his right hand thrust into the pocket
OF his coat. Miss Maclaire observed
the movement. her lips smiling. a red
flush on either cheek. Then she
stepped across the room. and opened
the door. Framed against the black
background Of the hall. his dark. rath.
er handsome face clearly revealed a
he fronted the window. his black. au.
dacious eyes fixed appreciatingly upon
the lady. stood BLACK Bart" Hawley
He saw no one but her. realized nc
other presence, had no thought except
to make a good impression. He was
facing beautiful woman. whom hs
sought to use. and he bowed low. hal
in hand.
RIO RE CONTINIIED,