Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1911-12-07
CHAPTER xxIl.-tcontinued.)


Don't you ever do It." he insisted.
The marshal brought her in here.
and nred fellow out o. the room so
as to give IL to her. He'd clean out
this house If we ran in cold deck on
friend o. his
What do care for what your
marshal does ?"
But he's Bill Hickock. Miss. Wild
Bill"
Miss Maclaire leaned back against
the stair-rail her eyes turning from
Tommy to her speechless supporters
Slowly the truth seemed to penetrate
her brain
"Oh," she gasped at last. Then.
then what else can you give me?
The officers had long since depart
ed. promising. however. to remain
over In town and hear her again that
night at the Trocadero, with hints as
to late supper; she had received
call from the manager Of that most
popular resort, and had rendered his
life miserable by numerous demands;
had passed half an hour practicing
with the leader of the orchestra; but
now was at last alone. tired. decided
~ irritable, and still tempted to in
wade "15." and give that other woman
q piece of her mind Then some one
raped on the door. There was de-
cided accent of vexation In the voice
which babe the one outside enter, but
the lady's mood changed swiftly as
her brown eyes perceived standing in
the doorway the erect form of Keith.
the light from the window revealing
clearly his strong face. The man
stood hat in hand, bowling slightly. IN
able to comprehend why he should
have been sent for, vet marvelling
again at the remarkable resemblance
between this woman and that other
whom he had left at Fort Larned As
Miss Maclaire stood with back toward
the window. she presented the same
youthful appearance, the same slen--
derness of figure, the same contour of
face.
Miss Christie Maclaire?" he asked
) rs though in doubt
''Yes." graciously. won instantly by
the mans appearance and manner.
you wished to see me? Will you be
seated?"
He crossed the narrow room to the
stiff- backed chair indicated. and the
lady sank negiigently down into her
own. resting her head against a pill
low, and regarding him expectantly
He could view her now much more
distinctly. observing the slight differ
ence in age, the fuller lips. the darker
- "a ~
pres sion Of the eyes. 1t was as If a
different soul had looked forth from
the same face. He had never before
realized how little, apparently trifiing,
details marked the human counten-
ance and. embarrassed by her own
scrutiny. his glance swept about the
room misunderstanding this shifting
of eyes, Miss Christie sought to place
the man more at ease
sThe room Is a perfect fright" she
observed briskly, but what can one
expect in these mushroom towns.
Really 4 had never been here before,
or shouldn't have come They pay
good money though for talent, and
MI we all have to live. you know Are
are you in professional work."
He shook his head, smiling. some
svhat perplexed at his reception.
Really | didn't suppose you were, .
she went on you don't look it. But
4 there are so many who come to me
II to help them that have grown sus-
picious OF every stranger. May | ask
Why you desired to see me?"
Another suspicion had taken pos,
session of her mind. for the men OF
that section were never backward in
n exhibiting admiration, yet somehow
this man did not seem exactly OF that
kind
Il came merely because i was sent
for, Miss Maclaire." he replied his
gray eyes once again upon her face
doctor Fairbain gave me your mes
sage; am Jack Keith.
She looked the complete astonish
ment she felt. sitting up in the chair
her eyes fiiled with questioning doubt
Doctor Tairbain! MY message!
Surely you are mistaken? | know nc
one Of that name. and have sent nc
message"
you did not express a-desire TO ser
me.s
she Laughed. exhibiting row Of
white teeth.
certainly not: not until this mo
ment Was / even aware Of the exis
tence Of Mr.. Jack Keith :
His own eyes smiled in response e
challenge Of hers.
Il can assure you the surprise wa