Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-05-02
Copyright,
CHAPTER X.
MIR. Haw!ey Reveal. Himself.

Mr.. HaWley Reveals Himself.
A fragment Of candle, stuck tightly
INTO the neck Of an empty bottle, ap-
lpeared on low shelf, and Keith light
ed 1t, the girl returning the lamp to
fts former position on the front room
table. Investigation revealed dozen
cartridges fitting the revolver, but no
ammunition was discovered adapted
to the sawed-off gun, which Neb had
already appropriated, and was drag
gtng about with him, peering into
each black corner in anxious search.
IThe two were still busily employed at
this, when to their ears, through the
stiffness of the night, there came the
unexpected noise Of splashing in the
water without, and then the sound of
e horse stumbling as he struck the
Ebank. Quick as a fash Keith closed
the intervening door, extinguished the
dim flame Of the candle, and grasping
the startled negroes arm, hushed him
into silence.
Crouching close behind the door,
through a crack Of which the light
streamed, yielding slight view of the
interior, the plainsman anxiously
Awaited developments. These arrivals
must certainly be some of those con-
pected with the house; there could be
little doubt as to that. Nevertheless,
they might prove the posse following
them, who had ohanced to stumble
accidentally on their retreat. In eth
Ter case they could merely wait, and
learn. Some one swore without, and
was sharply rebuked by another voice,
(which added an order gruffly. Then
1.-THE outer latch clicked, and single
man stepped within, Immediately clos
ling the door. Keith could not see the
girl through the small aperture, but he
heard her quick exclamation, startled,
Eyet full Of relief.
ooh. is it you? l am so gladl"
The man laughed lightly.
1T Is nice to be welcomed, although,
perhaps, after your time Of loneliness
any arrival would prove a relief. Did
you think was never coming, Chris
|tie?"
81 cou not understand" she re-
piled, evidently with much less en-
lthusiasm and to Keith's thinking, a
shade resentful of the familiarity, "but
naturally supposed you must be unex-
lpectedly delayed"
We'll, 1 was" and he apparently
hung both coat and hat on bench
with the intention of remaining. "The
marshal arrested fellow for a muir
der committed out on. the Santa Fe
Trail, and required me as witness.
?But the man got away before we had
ANY chance to try him, and l have
been on his trail ever since"
"a murder! Did you imagine he
came this way?"
Not very likely; fact Of 1t is, the
sand storm yesterday destroyed all
traces, and, as result, we've lost
him. So l headed a few of the boys
over in this direction, as wanted to
relieve you of anxiety"
She was silent an instant, and the
man crossed to the fireplace, where
Keith could gain a glimpse Of him.
Already suspicious from the familiar
sound of his voice. he was not sur
prised to recognize BLACK Bart" The
plainsman's fingers gripped the negroes
arm, his eyes burning. So this gambler
and blackleg was the gentlemanly Mr.
Hawley, was he; well, what could be
his little game? Why had he inveigled
the girl into this lonely spot? And
what did he now propose doing with
her? AS he crouched there, peering
Through that convenient crack in the
door, Keith completely forgot his own
peril, intent only upon this new dis
Ecovery. She came slowly around the
end Of the table, and stood leaning
against it. her face clearly revealed
In the light Of the lamp. For the first
time Keith really perceived its beauty
its fresh charm. Could such as she
be singer and dancer in frontier con
cert hall? And If so, what strange
conditions ever drove her into that
sort of life?
Isis Fred with your" she cues