The Mena weekly star., 1911-10-26


 between Hawley and her fatbar H, paused to inquire if she had eve, heard the name Bartlett. but her re ply was merely a negative shake o, the head. When he described tbei, missing the train. she was, apparenelv not convinced as to the Generals de parture upon it, although finally arrse Ing that, if he really believed the re
 port that the man sought was else where, 1t would be characteristic ot him to accept the first means of Set. ting there. If he only knew I was here" she exclaimed wearily. fit might be SC different but, oh. we arc all of us just groping in the dark ' Then Keith turned to his chance meet. Ing with Miss Maclaire, and repeated carefully their conversation. dwelling particularly upon the few admissions which had slipped through her lips. These did not seem important ts eth. CT, although they treasured them in and talked them over. Then. having exhausted the topic silence fell be tween them, Keith asking the privi. lege of lighting a cigar. Hope, after watching him apply the match. think ing what a fine face he had as the ruddy flame brought 1t forth with the clearness of a cameo, leaned back. drawing aside the semblance to a lace curtain, and staring forth, without see ing, into the street.
 Somehow, 1t was hard for her to full ly realize the situation, and how close ly it affected her The swiftly passing events, the complication arising so suddenly, apparently out of nothing, left her feeling as though she must surely awake from a dream. She could not comprehend what 1t was all about; the names Bartlett and Phyl. is had no clear meaning, they repre-. Hented nothing but shadows; and this other woman-this music hall singer what could there be fin common be- tween them? Yet there must be something-something of vital import had already cost her brothers life. That was the one thing which made it seem an actuality-which brought it home 10 her as Z. rugged fact. But for that-and Keith-Keith sitting there before her-she would have doubted 1t all. And yet even Keith had come Into her life so suddenly, SO unexpect edly, as to leave her dazed and un. certain, that she extended her hand and touched him, as though to mako sure of his actual presence.
 What is 1t, Hope?"
 "oh, nothing nothing" her voice breaking In little sob Tt is so silly, but l was just wondering if you were real-everything seems so impossible. cannot bring my mind to grasp the situation"
 He did not smile, but only took the groping hand into both of his own
 "I think I understand, little girl" he said gravely You are totally un- used to such life Almost without warning you have been plunged into maelstrom of adventure, and are all confused It is different with me-since the first shot at Sum- ter my life has been one of action, md adventure has grown to be the stimulus l need, and upon which I .hrive. But assure you. pressing the soft hand wsr,rlv "J am real"
 "Of course l know that 1t makes me glad to know it. If I could only 10 something myself, and not just sit lere, 1t would all become real enough o me"
 She rose suddenly to her feet, clasp ng her hands together, her face changing with new animation
 why couldn't |? am sure Icould Oh, Mir Keith, it has just come to ma now can help"
 He looked at her questlonlngly, of her beauty rather than of what she said
 "Do-do I really appear so much like--like that woman?" she asked anxlously
 "very much, indeed, excepting for the slight difference in age"
 That would never be noticed in the dark. or a poor light Am the same height?"
 Practically, yes"
 And my voice?-could you distin' gulsh me from her by my voice."
 T might: yet probably not, unless my suspicious were aroused. What is It you are thinking about
 She took a deep breath, standing now directly facing him in the light
 "Of playing Miss Maclaire tonight" she said quickly "Of taking hef place. and learning what it is of so much importance Hawley has to re port. Don't you think it might bS done?"
 The sheer audacity of this unexpect ed proposal left him speeches.. He arose to his feet, gripping the back of the chair, almost dodstias f he could have heard alright, his eyes searching the girls face which was with excitement. Of course ne could not permit of her exposure to such a risk: the scheme was imprac' ticable, absurd. But was 1t? Did 1t not offer fair chance of successf And was not the possible result worthy tb9 risk assumed? He choked back the earlier words of protest un' uttered. pHzzled as to what he had best gay. A quick-witted resourcefui woman might accomplish all she pro posed.
 Tt looks so simple she broke In moving nearer hirn. ,.r,...,. .-.. thgnly oCttld do ft7 Would