Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1912-07-25

the advantage. and would certalaiy
improve it. All conditions were de-
cidedly in his favor He merely
needed to convince the girl that she
was actually the party sought, and
she would go forward. playing the
game he desired. believing hs4elf
right, totally unconscious of any
fraud. The very simplicity OF it rem
dered the plot the more dangerous,
the more difficult to expose. Hawley
had surely been favored by fortune IN
discovering this singer who CHANGED
to resemble Hope so remarkably. and
who. at the same time, was I'm such
ignorance as to her own parentage.
She would be ready 70 grasp at a
straw, and. once persuaded as to her
/ identity and legal rights, could hence
forth be trusted implicitly as an ally.
Realizing all this, and comprehend
ing also how easily Hawley would win
her confidence and overcome his
warning by denouncing him as a fugl.
tive from justice charged with murder,
the temptation to return and fight IL
out then and there became almost
overpOwering. He had no fear Of
Haw'cy; indeed. physical fear had
so.-0- place In his composition,
but he was not as yet sufficiently for
6hed with facts for the seeking OF
such an encounter. He could merely
guess at tie 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, suppose?"
fes,' returned Keith. not thinking
1t worth while TO mention the lady's
denial of having sent for him. Il have
lust come from there"
"Hum-thought you'd be through by
This ume-fne 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. All. indeed!
| Vi the male sex?"
Il judge so-'Black Bart Hawley."
Good Lord" so startled his voice
broke. Did he see your"
Rather; backed him up against
the wall with a gun while 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
her again, though-finest looking
woman I've met.since.I came West
remarkable eyes-well, I'll go along 10
bed-see you again tomorrow, Jack "
Keith watched the sturdy figure
stamp heavily down the hallway
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-
eepion 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 4
woman slowly cross the Office and
I 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 be?
He had left that person scarcely five
minutes before in 600" and this stair
way was the only exit. His hand
grasped the rail, his heart throbbing
Itrangely, 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, a 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. l am so glad l 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
were here until Doctor Fairbain
Glanced to mention your name. Then
I at once begged him to tell you how
exceedingly anxious | was to see you.
You see, was sure you would come
If you only knew. | really thought
you would be here this morning. and
remained in my room waiting. but
there were some things | actually had
to have. | wasn't out ten minutes. SO
! you mustn't think I 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