Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-10-05
depths Of the brown.

DEPTHS Of the brown.
Your message had rather an anus.
ing result" he said, "as the doctor in.
formed me that Miss Christie Maclaire
was the one who desired my pres
ence."
Miss Maclaire!" her voice exhibit
ing startled surprise. "Why-why-
oh, did forget; never told him diff
lous." She laughed, white teeth
cleaning between the parted red lips
yet not altogether happily. Let mo
explain, Captain Keith, for really !
have not been masoueradins Doctor
Fairbain and arrived upon the same
train last evening. He Is such fun
ny man, but was very nice. and offer
cd to escort me to the hotel. | remem
Der 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, 80 we we're
Compclled to walk. II never saw
such a mob of drunken men. One
came Keeling 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
HickoclS-and the impudent 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 Fairbain still
believes it was the Christie whom he
go CALAMITY escorted last night"
How provoking" her foot tapping
the 1oor, 4 little wrinkle between hon
ewes ~ seems as though | couldn't
escape that woman-does she-does
she rcal'v look like me-"
"tt n 1it,lo distance, yes" he ad
r' go orn Gs1 face resemble
lr sec closely. SUIT Ter hair is
darker. her eyes have different OK
preston, and she must be five or six
years older"
'Do-do you know her wcll?"
No, indeed; | 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. l
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. | might have been there still,
but for an interruption"
"Oh. indeed" with rising infection.
lie glanced quickly about, reminded
Of the situation.
Yes, Hawley came in, and would
prefer not to meet him here, or have
him discover you we're 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 hcav-
lily built man, with red moustache,
leaned against the clerks desk, his
face toward them.
DO YOU know that man?" she asked
quickly. He followed me all the
time | was shopping II believe he
is the same one who jostled me in the
crowd last night"
Keith leaned past her to get bet
tor Wow. but the fellow turned, and
slouched away
y only had glimpse. but have no
recollection of ever seeing him before.
You heard no name?"
Wild PHI called him either Scott,
or Scotty--if this is the Same man"
Kei,hs jaw SET the fighting light
burning in his eyes. That was the
name of the fellow rooming with vii
loughby, the one who seemed to be
lawloy's special assistant. Was he
here as spy? His hands clinched
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 probably; but
about my request? May talk with
YOU a few moments alone?"
She bowed, apparently still dissatis-
fled regarding his lengthy converse
ton with Christie. yet permitted him
10 follow down the hall She held
open the door of 10" and be entered