The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-04-26
CHAPTER xxx.
By Force of Arms.

of what was transpiring without. About her was dense darkness, and she dare not explore the surroundings. Behind could be heard, through what must have been thin partition, the various distractions of the stage, shifting scenery, music, shufhing feet, voices, and the occasional sound of applause. The girl had nerved herself to the encounter with Hawley; but this waiting here in darkness and un- certainty tried her to the uttermost. If some one should venture out that way how could she excuse her pres ence or explain her purpose? She found herself trembling in every limb from nervous fear, startled by every strange sound. Would the man never come? Surely Christie herself must be ready to depart by this time.
 Almost prepared to flee before the terrors thus conjured up within her mind, they left her as if by magic the moment her straining eyes distin- guished the approach of a dim figure without She could not tell who it was, only that it was the unmistakable form of a man, and that he was whis- ting softly to himself. It might not prove to be the gambler, but she must accept the chance, for flesh and blood could stand the strain of waiting no longer. Yet she was not conscious of fear, only of exultation, as she stepped forth into the open, her blood again circulating freely in her veins. At the slight creak of the door the man saw her, his whistle ceasing, his hat lifted. Instantly she recognized him as ,s1wley, her heart leaping with the excitement of encounter.
 Why, hullo, Christie" he said fa- miliarly, T thought I was early. and expected a ten minutes wait. I came out as soon as you left the stage"
 "Oh, can dress in a jiffy when there Is any cause for hurry" Hope responded, permitting herself to drift under his guidance. Are you disap- pointed? Would you prefer to com mune with nature?"
 Well, I should say not" drawing her hand through his arm, and then batting it with his own. T have seen about all care to of nature, but not of Christie Maclaire."
 You may learn to feel the same regarding her." Hope answered, afraid to encourage the man, yet eagerly fearful lest she fail to play her part alright.
 Not the slightest danger" laughing lightly, and pressing her arm more closely against his body. Although I must confess you exhibited some tenn per when I was late tonight"
 Did I not have occasion to? A woman should never be kept waiting, especially if her engagement be i'm 1 perative.'
 "Oh, am not finding any fault, you little spft-fire. I like. you all the bet ter because you fight. But the treu- ble was, Christie, you simply jumped on me without even asking how it oe- cured. You teok 1t for granted I was late on Parpose to spite you"
 Well, weren't yex?" and the girl glanced iaqasringly up into hts face, as they passed out of the alley tate the light of the Trocedego's windows. "You certainly acted that way"
 ..Ne, I dtd not; but you wouldn't listen and besides he'd nc time taen i to explain. There's lot happened this afternoon I want to teA yea about wsA you give me time to talk with yoa?" ne- Why. of eourse,y surprised at the O1, should you ask that?" "Becanse I want you alone where no one can overhea< a syllable. Pm afraid of that damned hotel. You never know who Is fn the next room, and the slightest whisper travels from one end to the other. That is one way in which Keith got onto oNr deal-he had a room next to Wlloughby and Scott, and overheard them talking. I'm not going to take any more chances. VIII you % te 'Shscny Joe's' with me?"
 She drew back from him.
 'Shseny Joe's?' You mean the sa- loon near the depot?"
 Sure; what's the use of being so sQueamish? You sing and dance to saloon crowd, don't you? Oh, I know you're a good girl, Christie, and all | that I'm not ranking you with these fy-by-nights around here. But there's l no reason that I can see why you | should shy SO at a saloon, Besides, | you won't see any one. Joe has got ] some back room where we can be ! alone, and have a bite to eat while we're talking. What do you say?"
 "Oh, would rather not" Hope fal- | tered, bewildered by this unexpected 1 request, alreadJ half-tempted to break | away and run. Really IT don't want to go there"
 Hawley was evidently surprise at | this refusal, naturally supposing frem her life that Miss Maclaire's scrupiss would bs easily overoouse. This eS- s4inacy o6 the Eirl arsuss1 his eAGee.
 -Yoa wemsa bSak ths &s<A." he |