The Big Sandy news., 1912-03-29

guished the approach OF q dim figure
without She could not tell who 1t
was. only that II was the unmistakable
form Of man. and that he was whls-
Ting softly to himself. II 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 exultauon. as she stepped
forth into the open, her blood again
circulating freely in her veins. Al
the slight creak Of the door the man
saw her. his whistle ceasing. his hat
lifted. Instantly she recognized him
as Hawley. her heart leaplng with the
excitement OF encounter.
why. hullo, Christie" no said ia,
miliarly, II thought was early. and
expected ten minutes wait came
out as soon as you left the stage"
"oh, can dress in a jlffy when
there is any cause for hurry" Hope
responded. permitting herself to drift
under his guidance Are you disap
pointedG Would you prefer to com
mune with nature7"
Well, | should say not" drawing
her hand through his arm. and then
patting II with his own Il 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.
mot the slightest danger" Laughing
lightly, and pressing her arm more
closely against his body, although
must confess you exhibited some TEN
per when ! was late tonight"
did not have occasion to? A
woman should never be kept waiting
especially II her engagement be i'm
pernuve"
"Oh. am not finding any fault. you
little spit-tre. like you all the bet
ter because you ight. But the trou
BILE was, Christie. you simply jumped
on me without even asking how It oc,
CURED. You took It for granted was
late on purpose to spite you"
Wen. weren't your" and the girl
inquiringly up into his face,
as they passed out OF the alley into
The light OF the Trocadero's windows
You certainly acted that way"
NO, | did not; but you wouldn't
listen, and besides had no time then
10 explain. There's lot happened
this afternoon | want to tell YOU
about WIN you give me time 10 talk
with yop?"
why, of course" surprised at the
question, yet full Of eagerness. why
Ihould you ask that
Because ! want you alone where
10 one can overhear a syllable. I'm
Ifraid OF that damned hotel You
lever know who is in the next room.
md the slightest whisper travels from
mo end TO the other That is one way
n which Keith got onto our deal-he
sd room next to Willoughby and
'cott. and overheard them talking
not going to take any more
hances. WIN you so to 'Sheeny
oe's' with me2'
She drew back from him.
'shcenyEJU'fs'' You mean the sa-
BON near the depotg,
Sure; what's the use OF being so
cue Tnish? You sing and dance TO a
lloon crowd. don't you? oh, / know
oure good girl, Christie. and all
lat. I'm not ranking you with these
y-by-nights around here. Brt there's
D reason that | can see why you
iould shy 80 a. saloon. Besides,
au won't see any one. Joe has got
'me back room where we can 10
one, and have bite to eat while
ere talking. What do you say.'
"oh. would rather not Hope fai.
red, bewildered by this unexpected
quest, already half.tempted to break
way and run. Really IL doust
ant to 20 there"
Hawley was evidently surprise at
Is refusal. naturally supposlng from f,
r life that Miss Maclaires scrupieo
'uld be easily overcome. This .oo-
macy OF the Girl aroused his angpr.
I