The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1912-01-11

and touched him. as though to make
sure of his actual presence.
"What is 1t, Hope?"
"Oh. nothing-nothing," her voice
breaking in little sob. ut is so silly,
but / was just wondering If you were
real-everything seems so impossible.
cannot bring my mind to grasp the
situation"
He did not smile, but only took the
cropping hand into both of his own.
| Il think l understand, little girl
he said gravely. "You are totally un.
used to such life. Almost without a
moments warning you have been
plunged into maelstrom of adventure.
| and are all confused. It is different
with me-since the first shot at Sum-
ter my life has been one of action.
and adventure has grown to be the
stimulus l need, and upon which l
thrive. But assure you, pressing the
soft hand warmly, II am real"
"Of course l know that; 1t makes
me glad to know it. If could only
do something myself, and not just sit
here, it would all become real enough
to me-"
She rose suddenly to her feet, clasp
ing her hands together. her face
changing with new animation.
"Why couldn't 1? am sure could
Oh, Mr. Keith, 1t has just come to me
how can help"
He looked at her questioningly.
thinking of her beauty rather than of
what she said.
"Do-do I really appear so much
like-like that woman?" she asked
anxiously.
VERY much. indeed, excepting for
the slight difference in age"
THAT would never be noticed in the
dark, or poor light. Am I the same
height"
"Practically, yes"
And my voice?-could you distin.
guish me from her by my voice."
Il might; yet probably not. unless
my suspicious were aroused. What Is
it you are thinking about?"
She took a deep breath. standing
now directly facing him in the light.
"Of playing Miss Maclaire tonight"
she said quickly. "Of taking her
place. and learning what it is of so
much Importance Hawley has to re.
port. Don't you think 1t might be
done?"
The sheer audacity of this unexpect.
ed proposal left him speechless. He
arose to his feet, gripping the back
of the chair, almost doubling If he
could have heard Alright. his eyes
searching the girls face which was
glowing with excitement. OF course he
could not permit of her exposure to
such risk; the scheme was imprac.
licable, absurd. But was it? Did it
not offer fair chance Of success?
And was not the possible result
worthy the risk assumed? He choked
back the earlier words of protest I'M
uttered, puzzled as to what he had
best say. A quick-witted resourceful
woman might accomplish all she pro-
posed.
1T looks so simple" she broke in
impulsively, moving nearer him.
Don't you think could do it? Would
it be unwomanly?"
THE result. If accomplished, would
abundantly justify the MEANS, Fope,"
he acknowledged at last. II was not
hesitating on that account, but con-
sidering the risk you would incur"
That would be SO small-merely
he short walk alone with him from
the theater to the hotel" she plead
ed. Once here it could make no diff
ference if he did discover my identity,
FOR there would be plenty of men near
at hand to come to my defence. Oh.
please say yes"
IF do. then we must make the il
fusion perfect. and take as few
chances of discovery as possible.
must learn exactly how the other
dresses, and when she leaves the the
alter. Fortunately for the success Of
your plan the Trocadero permits no
one but performers to come behind
the scenes. so that Hawley will be
compelled to wait for the lady outside
the stage door, had better go at
once. and nee to these details"
YES" she said, her eyes sparkling
with anticipation. land | am SO glad
you are willing. will be most dis.
Greet. You are not sorry made the
proposal?"
(TO BE CONTINI1EDl