Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-07-11
tCopyright a. q. McClurR & Co.. 1s1ol
CHAPTER XVI.
A Chance Conversation.

A Chance Conversation.
The opportunity thus SO unexpected.
" afforded was not one to be wasted
and Keith accepted 1t with swift deter
mination. The expression in the wom-
ans face was scarcely one of well
come, yet his purpose was sufficiently
serious to cause him to ignore this
with easy confidence in himself.
Il am, indeed, most fortunate to dis
cover you alone. Miss Maclaire," he
said, avoiding her eyes by swift
glance over the table, "and evidently
at time when you are only beginning
your meal. May join you?"
She hesitated for an instant, debat-
ing with herself and as quickly de-
Gliding on disagreeable tactics.
Il presume this is a public table
and consequently have little choice
In the matter, If you insist" she re-
piled. her voice more civil than her
words. Still, Mr. Keith, am not
accustomed to associating with Grim
inals."
He smiled, holding his temper in
check. more than ever determined to
win.
Then. possibly. you may rather
welcome a new diversion can as
sure you our criminals out here are
the most interesting portion of our
population. wish l might have your
permission"
Standing there before her, bare
headed. his slightly tanned face strong
and manly. his gray eyes filled with
humor, Miss Maclaire recognized
again that he was not of the COM
mon herd, and the innate coquetry of
her nature obtained mastery. What
harm could 1t do for her to chat with
him for half an hour? 1t was better
than eating lonely meal. and, be-
sides, she might learn something Of
value to report to Hawley. Her own
eyes frightened, the slight frown dis
appearing.
You are certainly an illustration of
your theory" she said pleasantly. ~
shall have to say yes, but, really, did
not suppose you would enjoy being
ranked among that class"
He drew out a chair and sat down
facing her, leaning Slightly forward
upon the intervening table.
Nor would I, only recognize you
do not comprehend. The source Of
your information is a bit polluted.
Miss Maclaire. There are those whose
good opinion l do not seek, and you
should not form your decisions on the
unsupported testimony Of a personal
enemy"
"Oh, indeed rather resenting tho
words, and already regretful OF her
compliance Surely l have as much
reason to trust my informant a. l
have you. He. at least, has proven
himself . friend
Il wish could feel as fully assured
OF that as you do" he returned honest
". II would then have every tempta-
ton to NEEDLE further taken away
from me. Do you realize that my In
terest Is very largely upon your &C
count?"
ooh. no" laughing. II couldn't be-
lieve that. IL have heard 1t whis-
pered 1t might be because of the other
GIRL
"The other grill" In complete sur
prise at this swift return
Yes. sir" conscious of having at
tanned the upper hand. Miss Hope
Waite"
Some more Of Mr.. Hawley's fan
cdes." he retorted. perplexed that SO
much should be suspected. Have you
seen herr"
Why, OF course am woman,
Mr.. Keith. with all the natural curl
ostty OF my sex. In this case had
special reason to be Interested One
docs not meet her counterpart every
day"
1.-THE resemblance between you is
certainly most striking"
Sufficiently So" she said slowly.
her eyes on his face, ito abundantly
confirm in my mind the truth of all
that has been. told me-"