The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1912-09-13
CHAPTER xxx.
BY Force Of Arms.

Hope chung to the outer door OF the
vestibule endeavoring to see a little
OF what was transporting without.
About her was dense darkness. and
she dare not explore the surroundings.
Behind could be heard, through what
must have been a thin partition, the
various distractions of the stage.
shifting scenery. music. shutting feet.
voices, and the occasional sound OF
applause. The girl had nerve herself
to the encounter with Hawley. but
this waiting here in darkness and un-
certainty tried her to the uttermost.
II 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 fee before the
terrors thus conjured up within her
mind. they left her as II by magic the
moment her straining eyes distin-
guished the approach of a dim figure
without. She could not tell who II
was. only that 1t was the unmistakable
form OF a man. and that he was whis-
Ting softly to himself. 1t 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. 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 ieaping with the
excitement OF encounter.
why. hullo, Christie" he said ia.
miliarly, II thought | was early, and
expected a ten minutes wait. | came
out as soon as you left the stage"
"Oh, | can dress in a jify when
there Is any cause for hurry" Hope
responded. permitting herself TO drift
under his guidance. Are you disap-
pointed? Would o prefer 20 com
mune with nature?"
Well. | should say not" drawing
her hand through his arm, end then
patting 1t with his own IL have seen
about oil | care to of nature, but not
Of Christie Maclaire."
You may learn to feel $he same
regarding her." Hope answered, afraid
to encourage the man. yet eagerly
fearful lest she fall to play her part
Alright.
Not the slightest DANGER laughing
lightly. and pressing her arm more
closely against his body. Although |
must confess you exhibited some tenn
per when | was late tonight"
did | not have occasion to? A
woman should never be kept waiting,
especially If her engagement be i'm
perative."
"Oh, | am not finding any fault, you
little spit-fire. / like you all the bet
ter because you fight. But the trou-
BILE was, Christie. YOU simply jumped
on me without ever asking how 1t oc-
Cured. You took 1t for granted | was
late on purpose to srite you"
We'll, weren't yoi?" and the girl
glanced inqu;ringly ap into his face.
as they passed put Of the alley into
the light OF the Trccadero's windows.
You certainly actea that way"
mo, | did not; but you wouldn't
listen. and besides :; had no time then
to explain. THERE'S a lot happened
49, mani - tnl
about VIII you wv me time to talk
with you?"
why, OF course" surprised at the
question. yet full Of eagerness. Why
should o ask ttait9"
Because | want you alone where
no one can overtHar a syllable. I'm
afraid OF that damned hotel. You
never know who IS in the next room.
and the slightest whisper travels from
one end to the S.her. That is n way
in which Keith sot onto our deal--he
had a room noAt to Willoughby and
Scott. and Overheard them talking.
I'm not going to take any more
chances. WIZ you go to 'Sheeny
Joe's' with ra?"
She drew rcck from him.
".Sheeny te's?' You mean the sa-
loon near the depot?"
Sure; what's the use OF being SO
squeamish? lou sing and dance to a
saloon crows. don't you? Oh. ] know
you're a good girl. Christie. and all
that. I'm not ranking you with these
fy-by-nighfs around here. But there's
no reason that | "a see why you
should shy 80 at . saloon. Besides.
you won4 ses any one. Joe has got
some beck roam where We can be
IHtrne. a,sd have n bite te eat while