The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-04-26

hardly Knew what Co say. Tneo ene re- membered that Keith insisted that Miss Maclaire had no conception that there was any fraud in her claim.
 No, I know no one. But what do you mean? I thought everything was straight? That there was no question about my right to inherit?"
 Well, there isn't, Christie" pulling hercely on his cigar. But the courts are particular; they have got to have the whole thing in black and white. thought all along could settle the en- tire matter with Waite outside, but the old fool won't listen to reason. I saw him twice today"
 'Twiee?" surprise wrung the word from her.
 Yes; thought I had got him of on false scent and out of the way, the first time, but he turned up again like bad penny. Whats worse, he's evil dently stumbled on to a bit of legal information which makes it safer for us to disappear until we can get the links of our chain forged. He's taken the case into court already, and the sheriff is here tryin' to find me so as to serve the papers: I've got to skip out, and so've you"
 'T?" rising to her feet, indignantly. What have I done to be frightened over?"
 He laughed, but not pleasantly.
 "Oh, hell, Christie, can't you under. stand? Old Waite is after you the same way he is me. It'll knock our whole case if he can get you into court before our evidence is ready. All you know is what I have told you that's straight enough-but we've got to have proof. I can get it in month, but he's got hold of something which gives him a leverage. I don't know what it is-maybe it's just bluff-but the charge ist conspiracy, and he's got warrants out. There is nothing for us to do but skip"
 But my clothes; my engagement?" she urged, feeling the insistent earn estness of the man, and sparring for delay. Why, I cannot go. Besides, if the sheriff is hunting us, the trains will be watched"
 Do you suppose am fool enough to risk the trains?" he exclaimed, roughly, plainly losing patience. Mot much; horses and the open plains for us, and a good night the start of them. They will search for me first, and you'll never be missed until you fail to show up at the Troadero. Never mind the clothes; they can be sent after us.'
 Tonight" she cried, awakening to the immediate danger, and rising to her feet. You urge me to fly with you to-night?-now?"
 Sure, don't be foolish and kick up
 rvl, just around the end of the ravine."
 She pressed her hands to her breast, shrinking away from him.
 No! No! I will not go!" she de- clared, indignantly, Keep backI Don't touch mel"
 Hawley must have expected the re- sistance, for with a single movement he grasped her even as she turned to fly, pinning her arms helplessly to her side, holding her as in a wise.
 "Oh, but you will, my beauty" he growled. T thought you might act up and I'm ready. Do you think am fool enough to leave you here alone to be pumped dry? It is a big stake I'm playing after, girl, and I am not going to lose 1t through the whims of woman. If you won't go pleasantly, then you'll go by force. Keep still, you tigress, Do you want me to choke your"
 She struggled to break loose, twist ing and turning. but the effort was useless. Suddenly he whistled sharp ly There was the sound of feet scrambling down the path. and the frightened woman perceived the dim outlines of several approaching men She gave one scream, and Flaw. ley released his grip on her arms to grasp her. throat
 She jexked away, Matchmaking hacawara over a rock. Ths revolver, carried concealed fn her dress, was tn her hand. Mad with tsfrsr, scarcely knowing what she dsd, she pulled tho trigger In the flash she saw one man throw up his hands and go down. The next instant the others were upon her.