Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1912-01-24


for he would leave the theater at the
conclusion OF Miss Maclaire's act, re
strained all demonstration. This was
moment for action. not for words OF
love; no delay should hazard the sue
cess OF their undertaking. He heard
the slight creak Of the door as the
girl slipped within the conceaiment
OF the vestibule. and then he glided
away through the darkness with the
stealthy silence OF an indian. There
was no one in the alley-way. which
was narrow and easily explored. but
the glow from the front windows
plainly revealed the shadow OF a man
near the entrance. and Keith slipped
up toward him. hugging the side OF
the building for concealment. prepared
to resort to harsh measures. AS no
reached out. gripping the astonished
loiterer by the collar. they stared at
one another in surprise. and the grip
ping hand as instantly released Its
hold.
You, Fairbain! What the devil does
this mean? What are you spying on
US for?'
Clearly taken aback. yet not greatly
disturbed, his eyes showing pugnacf-
Gus and his jaw set. the Doctor rubbed
his throat where Keith's knuckles mad
left red welt.
DAM you. L think I'm the one to
ask for an explanation" he growled.
"She said she was not going with you.
and now you are around here together
at this TOUR l had right to know
whether was being played with IKE
that"
But. man, that was not Miss Mao
laire was with: 1t was Hope Waite.
Come back here under the tent tap
while explain"
Fearful OF the coming OF Hawley
he fairly draggedsthe portly figure OF
the bewildered Doctor with him.
striving. by quickly spoken words. to
make him comprehend the situation.
Knowing previously something OF the
issues involved, 1t was not difficult to
make Fairbain grasp the meaning OF
this present movement. yet his sym
pathies were at once enlisted upon the
side OF Miss Christie. He'd be damned
II he would have any part IN sucn
scheme-tf she had q right to the
money he'd help her get lit was
coward1y trick. and he'd fight II nee
! essary, to keep her from becoming q
victim His voice rose. his arms
brandishing violently. his sentences
swapping like rife shots. Keith an
gered. and fearful OF a discovery
which would leave Hope exposed. real
lied the futility OF discussion and
turned to physical force. Grasping the
gesticulating man with both hands. ne
flung him backward and dragged MIN
into the empty tent. kneeling on MN
as he throttled him to the earth.
Now, Doctor. you listen to me-. ne
said sternly I'm through arguing
hate to treat you like this. for you are
my friend. but I'll not stand for inter
ference here. Do you get that. you
old fool! Lie still until get through!
respect your feelings toward Miss
Maclalre. She Is e good girl. and
hope to heaven you get her II you
want her. But you never will you
permit this affair to 60 on. Yes.
know what am talking about In all
that Hope and do we are serving you
and Christie-our only fight Is with
Black Bart Hawley. Stop being
bulletheaded old fool. Fairbain. and
understand this thing. Lie stu. tell
you. and hear me out! Hawley Is
liar, 4 thief. and a. swindler. There
is swindle in this thing somewhere.
and he hopes to pull out big sum OF
motley from It He is merely using
Christie to pull his own chestnuts out
OF the fire. She Is innocent: we real
lie that, but this fellow Is going to
ruin the girl unless we succeed TN ex'
posing him He's not only involving
her In his criminal conspiracy. Out
he's making love to her: he's teaching
her to love him. That's part OF his
scheme, no doubt. for then she will be
SO much easier handled. | tell you.
Fairba1n. your only chance to ever
win the interest OF Christie Maclairs
ia to help us down this fellow Haw'
ley. Yes. you can sit up: reckon
you're beginning to see clearer. amt
you?"
tro BE coNTINUEDJ