The Mena weekly star., 1911-10-26


 one another in surprise. and the grip. ping hand as instantly released it's hold
 "You, Fairbain What the devil does this mean? What are you spying on us for?"
 Clearly taken aback. yet not greatly disturbed. his eyes showing pugnaci- ous and his jaw set, the Doctor rubbed his throat where Keith's knuckles had left a red welt
 "DamL you think I'm the one 10 ask for an explanation" he growled. "she ssid she was not going with you. and now you are around here together at this hour I had right to know whether l was being played with like that"
 But, man. that was not Miss Mac laire was with; it was Hope Waite Come back here under the tent flap while explain"
 Fearful of the coming of Hawley he fairly dragged the portly figure Of the bewildered Doctor with him. striving, by quickly spoken words to make him comprehend the situation Knowing previously something of the Issues involved. 1t was not difficult to make Fairbain grasp the meaning of this present movement yet his sym pathies were at once enlisted upon the side of Miss Christie He'd be damned if he would have any part in such a pRharap h. hoa to money he'd help her get it--it was cowardly trick, and he'd fight if nee essary. to keep her from becoming a victim His voice rose, his arms brandishing violently his sentences snapping like rife shots Keith an gered. and fearful of a discovery which would leave Hope exposed real ized the futility of discussion ant turned to physical force Grasping the gesticulating man with both hands. he flung him backward and dragged him Into the empty tent kneeling on him as he throttled him to the earth.
 Now, Doctor. you listen to me. he ai1 s.ern'y I'm through arguing. nate 10 treat you like this. for you are ny friend but I'll not stand for inter erence heie. Do you get that, you old fool? Lie still until get through Maclaire. SAe is good girl, and l hope to heaven you get her if you want her. But you never will if you permit this affair to so on. Yes, .now what l am talking about In all that Hope and do we are serving you and Chrlstie-our only fight is with Black Bart Hawley. Stop being q bullet-headed old feol, Fairbain. and understand this thing Lie still. tell you, and hear me outl Hawley Is liar, a thief. and swindler There Is swindle in this thing somewhere and he hopes to pull out big sum oi money from it. He Is merely using Christie to pull his own chestnuts out of the fire She Is innocent; we real ize that. but this fellow is going to ruin the girl unless we succeed in ex posing him. He's not only involving her in his criminal conspiracy, but he's making love to her; he's teaching her to love him. That's part of his scheme no doubt, for then she will bc so much easier handled. tell you, Fairbain, your only chance to ever win the interest of Christie Maclairs ia to help us down this fellow flaw ley. Yes, you can sit up; l reckon you're beginning to see clearer. ain't your"
 ztt d. AA Aaw rsF hxa tent to glance without. the light fall ing on Fairbanks face as he struggled to a sitting posture. He had had a new thought driven into him. yet failed to entirely grasp It's signifi' canoe.
 But. Jack" he asked. still hali angry. how about the girl? Hasn1 she any right to this money?"
 q don't know" honestly. I've don't any of us know. but whatever she has the right to she Is going to get You can bet on that. old man. We're buck ing Hawley, not Christie Macaire- get that into your head He hasn't any right, that's certain, for he murdered and stole to get the papers-be quiet! Here the fellow comes nowl"
 They peered out together through the convenient tent flap, Fairbain scarcely less interested than the oth. CT, already dimly comprehending that his truly dangerous rival was the gambkr and that he could best serve the lady by helping to prove to her 1,e real character of that individual He was still blindly groping fin the haze, yet out of Kelth's sharp, sting ing words there had come to him a guiding light The latter gripped his arm in restraint
 pass"
 Hawley turned into the alley whis- ting. evidently well pleased with the situation and anticipating other de lights awaiting his coming The glot of the Trocadero's lights served. al instant, to reveal his face, shaded by the broad brim of his hat, and then he vanished into the dark. Keith leav ing far out, yet keeping well within the shadows, heard the faint creak c. the vestibule door and the soft mur- mur of distant voices. Then he drew back suddenly, his hand again grasp ing Fairbain. Two fgures-those of a man and woman-emerged into the dim light, and as quickly disappeared. Apparently her hand was upon his arm, and he was bending down so as to gain a glimpse of the face par