The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1912-09-20
CHAPTER XXX.
The Search for the Missing.

The note of unrestraincd Joy OF re-
lief in the woman's voice rang through
the room, stilling all else, and caus-
ing those who heard to forget for an
instant the sterner purpose OF their
gathering. Fairbain bent over her,
like a fat guardian angel, patting her
shoulder. her eyes so blurred with
tears as to be practically sightless, yet
still turned ~questioningly upon Waite.
The sheriff was first to recover
speech, and a sense Of duty.
Then this lets Miss Maclaire out
of the conspiracy charge he said,
gravely, but it doesn't make it any
brighter for Hawley so far as | can
see-there's a robbery charge against
him If nothing else. Any one here
know where the fellow is?'
For a moment no one answered, al
though Keith took a step forward, re-
minded instantly of Hopes ~predica-
ment. Before he could speak, however,
Christie looked up. with swift gesture
pushing back her loosened hair.
IIc ndS W hotC hICk hit at II
theater tonight she said. her voice
trembling. but was not there when
| came out; he-he said he had i'm.
portant news for me"
And failed to show up-did he send
no MESSAGE"
Doctor Fairbain was waiting for
me instead. He said that Mr.. Hawley
was called suddenly out of town"
The eyes of the sheriff turned to
Fairbain, whose face grew redder
than usual, as he shifted his gaze
toward Keith
That was d lie" he confessed
lamely. II was told to say that.
Just a moment, Sheriff" and Keith
stood before them, his voice clear and
convincing. My name is Keith, and
this affair from the beginning. Just
now | can relieve the doctor OF his
embarrassment. Miss Hope Waite
and | have been associated together
IN an effort to solve this mystery. This
evening. taking advantage Of the re
markable resemblance existing be
tween herself and Miss Maclaire, Miss
Hope decided upon a mask
Whats that" Waite broke in ex
citedly. is Hope here?'
Yes, has been for a week; we've
had all The police force OF Sheridan
hunting you"
The old man stared at the speaker
open-mouthed, and mUttered some
thing about Fort Hays, but Keith. pay
| ing little attention to him, hurried OIL
with his story.
"As | say, she decided upon imper
souating Christie here, hoping in thi
way to learn more regarding Hawley'
plans. We had discovered that tn
two were to meet after the evening
performance at the stage door OF tn
Trocadero. | escorted Hope there
dressed as near like Miss Maclaire a
possible, and left her inside the vest
bule waiting for Black Bart to al
pear. At the head Of the alley ! ral
into Fairbain. told him something @
the circumstances. and persuaded hir
TO escort Miss Christie back to tn
hotel. He was not very hard TO pei
suade. Well. Hawley came, and Hop
met him; they went out Of the alley
way together arm in arm, talkin
please ntly, and turned this way Il
ward the hotel. The doctor and
both saw and heard them. ! was d'
layed not to exceed two minute!
speaking a final word TO Fairbain, an
when reached the street they ha
disappeared. have hunted theT
everywhere without finding a trace
have esen been through the resorts
She he. not returned to the hotel, an
| burst In upon you here hoping tina
Miss Maclaire might have come info
nation
She shook her head, and Walt
glaring impotently at the two OF then
swore sharply.
Coed God, man. my girl. Hop,
alone with that damn villain. Com
on. Sheriff; we've got to find he
Wait, thought" and he strobe almo.
menacingly across the room. "Ffrs
want TO know who the devil 20
are!"
Keith Strengthened up. looking d
rectly into the fierce questioning eye
CTO BE CONTINUED.)