The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1912-01-12


secret rendezvous OF crime, the
headquarters OF desperadoes, OF cat
tie rustlers, Of the highwaymen OF the
Sante Fe Trail-a point to which they
could ride when hard pressed. GER
tain OF hiding here in safety? He be-
gan to suspect this, but, II so, who
then was this Hawley, and with what
object had he sent this girl here :?
Every way he turned was to confront
mystery to face new puzzle. What
ever she might be-even the music
hall singer he bslieyed--she had been
inveigled here innocently enough
Even now she possessed only the most
vague suspicion that she had been de-
ceiyed. The center Of the whole plot
II there was a plot. must be Hawley
Yes" she replied. "he said that this
was one OF the stations OF big ranch
on which Fred was employed, and that
he would certainly be here within a
day or two"
You met Hawley on the stage
coach? How did you become acquaint.
ed?
we were alone for nearly fifty
miles" her voice faltering slightly,
"and-and he called me what you did"
Christie Maclaire?"
yes. he--he seemed to think he
knew me. and needed help 30 much
that let him believe so. thought
II could do nc harm. and In when
found he actually knew Fred, didn't
think Of anything else, only how for,
tunate was to thus meet him. Ssrely
something serious must have happen
ell, or he would have been here before
this Do you-do you suppose there
is anything wrongi"
Keith did not smile nor change
posture. The more he delved into the
matter. the more serious he felt the
situation 10 be. He knew all those
ranches lying south on the Canadian.
and was aware that this was no out |
station. No cattle ever came across
that sandy desert unless driven by |
rustlers, and no honest purpose could |
account for this isolated hut. There
had been frequent robberies along the |
trail, and he had overheard tales OF
mysterious disappearance In both
Larned and Carson City. Could II be
that he had now. accidentally. STUN.
bled upon the rendezvous OF the gang?
He WAS not a man easily startled, but /
this thought sent his heart beating.
He knew enough to realize what such
a gang would naturally consist Of
desertera. outlaws. rustlsrs; both In
dams and whites. no doubt. combined
indcr some desperate leadership GAY
ng into the girls questioning eyes he
'ould scarcely refrain from hurting
'ut all he suspected. Yet why should
le7 What good could It do! He
'ould not hsps TO bear her south TO
he Oar X Ranch, for the ponies
we're already toe thoroughly exhaust
ID for sueh journey; he dared not
urn north with her, for that would
mean his s~n arrest. leaving her in
'srse cOAditioo thas ever. II he only
new whs this man Hawisy was. his
'urpcse, and plans! Yet what pro-
sstien could he and Nsb prove. alone
lsrs. and without .arms, All this
Iashed through his mind IN m instant,
saving him confused and uncertain.
7 hope not he managed 70 say IN
nswsr 70 her query But Il IL rather
strange mtz-up all around. and con.
ens fail to comprehend It's full
'saninE. Il L. hardly likely your
Iisnds will show up tonight. and by
isrniDs perhaps we can dseide what
best To do. Let me look around
atside moment,
Her eyes followed him as he stepped j.
trough the door into the darkness;
len her head dropped into the sup :
ort OF her hands. There was silence I,
Scept for the cracking OF the Are. :.
ntil Mob moved uneasily. At the :,