The Chanute times., 1912-03-01

ed to escort me to the hotel. remem-
ber now that although he introduced
himself, never once thought to men-
| tion to him my name. The town was
very rough last night-the company
had paid off the graders was told
and there was no carriage, SO we were
compelled to walk. II never saw
such a mob of drunken men. One
| came reeling against me, and brushed
aside my veil SO as to see my face.
The doctor struck him, and then the
marshal came up-you know him. Bill
Hickock-and the impudent fellow
actually declared he knew me, that
was Christie Maclaire. | tried to
explain, but they hurried me on
through the crowd to the hotel, and
became confused, and forgot. Do you
suppose they registered me by that
name?"
Quite likely; at least Fairbain still
believes 1t was the Christie whom he
so gallantly escorted last night"
How provoking" her foot tapping
the floor, little wrinkle between her
eyes. 1T seems as though couldn't
escape that woman-does she-does
she really look like me?"
AT a little distance, yes" he ad-
mitted, her form and face resemble
yours very closely. but her hair Is
darker, her eyes have different ex-
preston, and she must be five or six
years older"
"Do-do you know rer well?"
mo, indeed; have seen her sever
al times on the stage, but never met
her until q few moments ago."
"A few moments ago! Do you mean
she Is here In this hotel?"
Yes, Miss Hope, and that was what
made the mistake In names so laugh
able. Fairbain gave me your mes
sage, but as coming from Christie.
was, of course, greatly surprised. yet
responded. The lady very promptly
denied having sent for me, but as l
was anxious to interview her myseH,
we managed to drift into conversation,
and | must have passed half hour
but for an interruption"
"Oh, indeed!" with rising infection.
He glanced quickly about. reminded
of the situation.
Yes, Hawley came in, and l would
prefer not to meet him here, or have
him discover you were in Sheridan.
Could we not go to your room? l
have much to tell you"
Her questioning eyes left his face'
and stared down over the rail- A heaV-
lily built man, with red moustache,
leaned against the clerks desk.
DO you know that MANI" she asked
quickly. He followed me all the
time was shopping, II believe ne
is the same one who tostled me In the
crowd last night"
Keith leaned past her to get bet
ter view, but the fellow turned. ana
slouched away.
Il only had a glimpse, but have no
recollection of ever seeing him before.
You heard no name?"
"'Wild Bill called him either Scott
or Scotty-if this is the same man.
Keith's jaw set, the fighting light
burning in his eyes. That was the
name of the fellow rooming with VIII
loughby, the one who seemed to De
Hawley's special assistant.
"a mere accident probably; but
about my request? May | talk with
you a few moments alone?"
She bowed, apparently still dissats-
fed regarding his lengthy conversa'
ton with Christie yet permitted him
to follow down the hall. She held
open the door of "15." and he entered
silently, not wholly understanding the
change In her manner. She stood be-
fore the dresser, drawing of her
gloves aud removing her hat.
"Will you be seated, Captain; the
armchair by the window Is the more
comfortable" She turned toward him,
almost shyly, yet with womanly curl
osity which would not be stilled. Was
your call upon Miss Maclaire very In
teresting? Did you admire her very
much?"