River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1911-12-28

naturally QrlILeQ lnCO evil company.
His one ambition is to break away,
and redeem himself. l am so anxious
to help him, and wish you could real
ize his purpose. as | do. and become
his friend Won't you, for my sake?
Why, even in this affair he has not
the slightest mercenary purpose-he
has only thought of what was rightful-
ly mine.''
Keith listened, feeling to the full the
woman's earnestness, the impossible
ty of changing her fixed conviction.
Hawley had planted his seed deep and
well in fruitful soil.
"You make strong and charming
advocate. Miss Maclaire.' he returned.
feeling the necessity of saying some
thing. Il should like to have you
equally earnest on my side. Yet it
will be hard to convince me that
Black Bart is the paragon of virtue
you describe. l wish | might believe
for your sake. Did he also explain
how he came into possession of these
papers?"
"Oh, yes. indeed; there is no secret
about that They were entrusted to
him by an old man whom he discov,
cred sick in independence, and who
died in his rooms three years ago.
Mr.. Hawley has been searching ever
since for the old mans granddaughter.
It is remarkable how he was finally
convinced that was the one"
"A photograph, was it not?"
A CLEAN of sudden suspicion APP
peared in the brown eyes, a slight
change in facial expression.
THAT was a clue. yes, but far from
being ALL But why should tell you
this?-you believe nothing l say"
Il believe that you believe; that
you are fully convinced of the justice
of your claim. Perhaps it is just. but
am suspicious of anything which
Bart Hawley has hand in. Miss
Christie, you really make me wish to
retain your friendship. but I cannot
do so if the cost includes faith in
Hawley. Do you know that is not
even his name-that he lives under an
alias?"
rs there anything strange in that
out here?" she asked stoutly. II told
you how deeply he regretted his life;
that alone would be suff1 cient cause
for him to drop his family name. Did
you ever learn his true name?"
He was not sure-only as Neb had
reported what Waite had called the
man, yet ventured direct reply
Bartlett, l believe-he uses it now
as a prefix"
Rartlett!-Bartlett!" her hands
clasping, and unclasping nervously.
why, what strange coincidence!"
How? What do you mean?'
"Oh, nothing-nothing, biting her
lips in vexation. 1.-THE name merely
recalled something. But really, must
go, Mr. Keith, or shall be late at the
theater. You have not attended since
Gamer"
NO." arising from the table with
| her. However, l have heard you
sing before, and hope l may again.
How tenderly you dwell on that
word hope" she said banteringly, lit
almost makes me envious."
Your resemblance almost makes
me forget"
But not gutter
mo, not quite" he confessed,
smiling back into her quizzing eyes.
They went out into the hall togeth-
er, only to meet with Doctor Fairbain
at the door, The latter stared at the
| two with some embarrassment, for a
moment forgetful of his purpose. His
gaze settled on the face of the lady.
Always getting you two mixed" he
| blurted forth Never saw such re-
semblance-positively uncanny-same
hotel too means trouble-this Miss
Waiter"
mo Doctor; am Miss Maclaire. .
Ought to have known tiff l knew
as much about faces as | do about an
atomy never would make such mis-
| take-very sorry-what fooled me was
seeing you with Keith--thought he
was after the other one-gay dog
| though-never satisfied-was hunting
after you"
After me?" evidently amused.
"Certainly-you-wen to the room
then to the clerk-said you were
| In at supper-just occurred to me
streets here bad at night--thought I'd
ask you to let me escort you to thea
ter and back-a bit of lunch later"
he glanced suspiciously at Keith
probably got here too Late
We'll. really. you have. Doctor"
she replied sweetly, yelling her eyes
to hide their laughter. But can as
sure you it is not Mr.. Keith" cour-
tesying slightly to the latter, ''for he
has not honored me; we merely met
by chance at the table. / am sure
should enjoy your company exceeding
ly, but tonight | must plead preVi-
Gus engagement"
Allah, some other night?"
With pleasure, yes"
The doctor faded away into the of
fee. not wholly satisfied because Keith
still fingered. Miss Christie extended
her hand.
Isn't he funny man? But do like
him-someway l like SO many people
whom perhaps | ought not, including
you. Mr. Jack Keith Please think
over what | told you about Mr. Haw-
ley, won't you?"
Certainly; you have given me food
for thought. | presume he is to be
your escort?"
She bowed. evidently resenting the
question
Eyes. and it may interest you to
know that he has something of the ut
most Importance to tell me tonight