Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-08-01
Copyright. A. c. NcClurg &
CHAPTER xxxIIl. brance Of old cavalry days to guild
Following the Trail,

were endeavoring with all rapidly
possible to get beyond where the hand
OF law could reach them-their trail
striking directly across the plains into
the barren southwest was proof of this
purpose. Yet it was scarcely likely
they would proceed very far in that
direction, as such course would
bring them straight into the heart OF
the Indian country, into greater dan
ger than that from which they fed.
Keith felt no doubt that Hawley in
tended making for Carson City, where
he could securely hide the girl, and
where he possessed friends to rally
TO his defence, even an influence over
the officers of the law. The one thing
which puzzled him most was the
mans object in attempting so desper-
ate venture. Did he know his pris-
oner was Hope Waite? or Old he still
suppose he was running of with Chris
tie Maclaire? Could some rumor of
Waite's appeal to the courts have
reached the gambler, frightened him,
and caused him to attempt this des-
perate effort at escape? and did he
bear Miss Maclaire with him, hoping
to keep her safely concealed until
heswas better prepared to come out In
open fight? II this was the actual
state of affairs then it would account
for much otherwise hard to explain.
The actress would probably not have
been missed, or, at least, seriously
sought after, until she failed to ap-
pear ut tho theater the following even
ing. This delay would give the fu-
Gittves start Of twenty hours, or
even more. and practically assure
their safety. Besides. in the light OF
Yates application to the sheriff for
assistance, 1t was comparatively easy
to conceive of . valid reason why
Hawley should vanish, and desire,
likewise. to take Miss Maclaire with
him. But there was no apparent oc-
casion for his forcible abduction of
Hope. OF course, he might have done
30 from suddenly aroused fit of an
ger at some discovery the girl had
made yet everything pointed rather
Z 70 q deliberate plan. Both horses and
men were certainly. waiting there I'M
der orders. Hawley's adherents in
charge, and every arrangement per-
fected in advance. Clearly enough
the gambler had planned 1t all out
before he ever went to the Troca-
dero-no doubt the completion OF
these final arrangements was what de-
layed his appearance at the hotel II
this was all true, then 1t must have
been Christie, and not Hope. he pur-
posed bearing away with him, and the
latter was merely victim OF her mas
Querade.
What would result when the man
discovered his mistake? Such dis
covery could not be delayed long, al
though the girl was quick-witted, and
would surely realize that her personal
safety depended upon keeping up the
deception to the last possible moment.
Yet the discovery must finally occur,
and there was no guessing what form
Hawley's rage would assume when he
found himself bafled. and all his
plans for fortune overturned Keith
fully realized Hopes peril, and his
own helplessness to serve her in this
emergency was agony. AS they hur-
ried back to the town. he briefly re-
viewed these conclusions with Waite
and Fairbain. all alike agreeing there
was nothing remaining for them to do
except to take up the trail. The fugi-
tives had already gained too great an
advantage to be overhauled, but they
might be traced to whatever point
they were heading for. In spite of the
start being so far to the west, Keith
was firmly convinced that their destin-
alton would prove to be Carson City.
Procuring horses at the corral, their
forces augmented by two volunteers
both men Of experience-Keith. Waite,
Fairbain and Neb departed without
delay. not even pausing to eat but
taking the necessary food with them.
The sun had barely risen when they
took up the trail. Keith, and man
named Bristoe, slightly in advanoe !,
their keen eyes marking every slighs
sign left for guidance across the bare
plain. 1t was comparatively easy
trail to follow, leading directly into
SAAo cO0SA WOSIJ INC POAAy 0@NAc SNSeAAAo
into the sod as though the reckless
riders had punched together, their
horses trotting rapidly. Evidently no
attempt had been made at conceal
mont, and this served to convince the
pursuers that Hawley still believed
his captive to be Miss Maclaire, and
that her DISAPPEARANCE would not be
suspected until after nightfall. In
that case the trail could not be dis
covered before the following morn
ing, and with such start, pursuit
would be useless. Tireless, steadily,
scarcely speaking except upon the
business in hand, the pursuers pressed
forward at an easy trot, Keith. in spite
of intense anxiety. with the remem-