The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1912-01-25

out he was not as yet sufnciently for
titled with facts for the seeking Of
such an encounter. He could merely
guess at the truth, unable to produce
any proof with which to meet the
gamblers certain denial
A man came in through the Office,
and began climbing the stairs. He
was almost at the landing before
Keith recognized him or the other
glanced up.
"Ah-seen her, l suppose?"
"Yes," returned Keith, not thinking
1t worth while to mention the lady's
denial of having sent for him. Il havs
just come from there"
"Hum-thought you'd be through by
this time-flne looking girl, amt she?
believe I'll run In and chat with her
myself" :.
Il would advise you to select some
other time. Doctor" said the younger.
drily. "as the lady has a visitor at
present"
"A visitor?" his face rosy, his
shrewd eyes darkening. "Ah, indeed!
Of the male sex?"
81 Judge so-'Black Bart Hawley"
Good Lord" so startled his voice
broke. Did he see your"
Rather; l backed him up against
the wall with a gun while l made my
adieu."
But what brought him there? Are
they acquainted?"
Don't ask cOnundrums, Doctor. He
may be your rival with the fair lady
for all l know. If he is, my sympa-
thies are all with you. Only wouldn't
try to see Miss Christie just now; I'd
wait for a clearer field. Hawley Is
probably not in the best of humor"
Fairbain stared into the face of the
speaker, uncertain whether or not he
was being laughed at
Reckon you're right" he acknowl-
edged at last. Tired, anyhow-been
out all night-thought I'd like to see
Ter again, though-fnest looking
woman I've met since l came West
remarkable eyes-well, I'll go along to
bed-see you again tomorrow, Jack"
Keith watched the sturdy figure
stamp heavily down the hallway,
loose boards creaking under his posi-
tive tread, and smiled to himself at
the thought that he might have, in
deed. become truly interested in the
music hall singer. Somehow, the doc
tor did not harmonic with the con-
ception of love, or fit graciously into
the picture. Still, stranger matings
had occurred, and Cupid does not ask
permission before he plays pranks
with hearts. Keith turned again to-
ward the stairs, only to observe
woman slowly cross the Office and
commence the ascent. She was in the
shadow, her face even more deeply
shaded by her hat, yet he stared at
her in Internationally, 1t was
Miss Maclaire. Yet how could It BET
He had left that person scarcely Eve
minutes before in "2e." and this stair
way was the only exit. His hand
grasped the rail, his heart throbbing
strangely, as a suspicion of the truth
crossed his brain. Could this be
Hope? Could it be that she was here
also? AS her foot touched the land
Ing, she saw him, her eyes lighting up
suddenly in recognition, wave OF
color flooding her cheeks.
why, Captain Keith" she exclaim-
ed. extending her gloved hand frankly,
"you have been to my room, and were
going away. am SO glad I came in
time"
Il hardly thought to meet you," he
replied, retaining her fingers in his
grasp. when did you reach Sheri-
dam"
only last night. I had no idea you
we're here until Doctor Fairbain
CHANGED to mention your name Then
I at once begged him to tell you how
exceedingly anxious 1 was to see you.
You see, l was sure you would come
If you only knew. l really. thought
you would be here this morning, and
remained in my room waiting, but
there were some things actually had
to have. l wasn't out ten minutes, so
you mustn't think sent you a mes
sage and then forgot"
The nature of the mistake was be-
coming apparent, and Keith's gray
eyes smiled as they looked into the
depths of the brown
Your message had rather an anus
Ing result" he said, "as the doctor in
formed me that Miss Christie Maclaire
was the one who desired my pres
ence"
miss Maclaire!" her voice exhibit.
Ing startled surprise. "Why-why-
oh. did forget; never told him diff
ferently. Why, 1t was most ridicu-
lous." She laughed, white teeth
cleaning between the parted RED lips,
yet not altogether happily. Let me
explain, Captain Keith, for really
have not been masquerading. Doctor
Fairbain and arrived upon the same
train last evening. He is such fun,
ny man, but was very nice, and offer
ed to escort me to the hotel. remem-
Der now that although he introduced
himself, never once thought to men,
ton to him my name. The town was
very rough last night-the company
had paid OF the graders l was told
and there was no carriage, so we were
compelled to walk. II never saw
such : mob Of drunken men. One
came rseling against me, ana brashed
aside my veil % - to ass my face.