The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1912-03-08

thAt 10 why am here. heard my
father came TO Sheridan, and wanted
| you to help me ind him"
He was thinking and did not answer
at once. and she went on IN some
alarm.
DO you know anything about him.
Captain Keithf Where b hef Why
is he heref Don't DO afraid to tell
me-"
He pressed the locket back into her
hand, retaining the latter. unresisted.
within his own.
Il have not seen your father. Hope,
but he was certainly here few days
ago. for Fairbain met him. They were
together In the army. am going to
tell you all know-it seems to be a
tangled web, but the ends must be
somewhere, although. confess. am
| all at sea-
He told 1t slowly and simply, bring
ing forth his earlier suspicion, and
how he had stumbled upon facts ap-
parently confirming them. He related
her fathers robbery. his loss OF valu-
able papers, and the conversation be-
tween Hawley and Scott which led to
the suspicion that these same pa
pens had fallen into the hands
OF the former. and were the
basis of his plot Hope listened,
bresthless with interest, her widely
opened eyes filled with wonder. AS
he concluded speaking she burst
forth:
But don't understand in the least,
Captain Keith. Why did this man
Hawley send me to the Salt Fork?"
HE thought he was dealing with
Christie Maclaire. He had some roa'
son for getting her away; getting her
where he could exercise influence over
her"
| "Yes-yes: but who is she2"
THAT is what makes the matter so
hard to unravel She doesn't even
know herself. Hawley is going to
take advantage OF her ignorance in
this respect. and convince her that
she is the person he wishes her to
represent-but who is the person? II
we knew that we might block the
game"
Both sat silent. striving to figure
out some reasonable explanation.
DO you know OF any special papers
your father carried?" he asked.
NO; none outside his business
agreements"
Has any one ever disappeared con-
nected with your family? Did you
have an older sister,
Fred and were the only children.
Why should you ask that question:"
Because something of that nature
would seem to be the only rational ex-
told Hawley something-some family
secret-which he felt could be utilized
TO his own advantage Then he saw
your picture. and was Immediately re-
minded OF the remarkable resem-
blance between you and Christie
Naclaire Evidently this discovery
fitted into his plan, and made 1t pos
sible for him to proceed. He has been
trying ever since to get an interview
with the woman. 10 sound her, and
find out what he can do with her. He
has written letters sufficiently ex-
| plicit to make It clear his scheme is
based upon a will drawn, as he claims.
by Chrisue's grandfather. No doubt
by this time he has fully convinced
the girl that she is the rightful heiress
| 10 property-as he stated TO Scott
valued at over a million dollars. That's
stake worth fighting for. and these
two will make a hard combination.
He's got the papers, or claims to have.
and they must be the ones stolen from
your father have been trusting you
might know something In your family
history which would make 1t all
plain .,.-,
But do not" declsively. "Yotf
must believe me; not so much as a
hint of any secret has ever reached
me, There are only the four of us.
Father Mother, Fred. and l. | am
sure there can be no secret; nothing
which would not know Perhaps, II
| could see Miss Maclaire-"
81 am convinced that would be use
less" he interrupted, rising. and pa
cling across the floor III Hawley has
convinced her OF the Justice OF the
claim. he viii also have pledged her
10 secrecy He Is working out OF sight
Ike mole. for he knows the fraud.
and Will never come TO the surface
until everything is IN readiness.
know a better way; III find Fred, and
bring him here. He would tell you
whatever !, was no boid Hawley. and
that Will give US the cme.T
He piclsed up his hat from the table,
but she rose to her feet, holding forth
her hands,
Il cannot thank you enough, Cap
tain Keith" she exclaimed frankly.
You are doing 80 much and with no
personai interest"
"oh. but have"
The long inshes dropped over the
brown eyes.
What do You meant"
THAT have personal tntercst-in
yon, Hope
SheSstood silent, her bosom rising
End falling TO rapid breathing.
You don't mind my calling you
Hobe' Y haven't got used TO Miss
Waite yet"
Her eyes met his swiftly
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