The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1912-01-05

1
Why, even In this affair he has not
the slightest mercenary purpose-he
has only thought of what was rightful-
ly mine"
Keith listened, feeling to the full the
| woman's earnestness, the impossible
| ty of changing her fixed conviction.
Hawley had planted his seed deep and
well in fruitful soil.
| You make strong and charming
advocate. Miss Maclaire." he returned,
feeling the necessity of saying some
thing Il should like to have you
equally earnest on my side Yet 1t
will be hard to convince me that
| Black Bart is the paragon of virtue
you describe. | wish I might believe
! for your sake. Did he also explain
how he came into possession of these
papers?"
| ooh. yes. indeed; there is no secret
about that. They were entrusted to
| him by an old man whom he discov-
cred sick in independence, and who
| died in his rooms three years ago
| Mr.. Hawley has been searching ever
since for the old mans granddaughter
! 1t is remarkable how he was finally
convinced that | was the one"
!, "a photograph, was it not?"
A CLEAN of sudden suspicion ap-
peared in the brown eyes, a slight
| change in facial expression.
THAT was clue. yes. but far from
being ALL But why should | tell you
this you believe nothing | say"
Il believe that you believe; that
| you are fully convinced of the Justice
of your claim. Perhaps 1t is just, but
| | am suspicious of anything which
Bart Hawley has a hand in. Miss
Christie, you really make me wish to
retain your friendship, but / cannot
do SO if the cost includes faith in
| Hawley Do you know that is not
| even his name-that he lives under an
I alias?"
rs there anything strange In that
out here?" she asked stoutly. Il told
! you how deeply he regretted his life;
that alone would be suffice cause
for him to drop his family name Did
you ever learn bis true name?"
He was not sure-only as Neb had
reported what Waite had called the
man, yet ventured direct reply.
Bartlett. | believe-he uses it now
as PREFIX
Bartlett! -Bartletti" her hands
clasptng, and unclasping nervously.
why. what strange coincidence!"
How? What do you mean?
oh, nothing-nothing, biting her
lips in vexation. 1.-THE name merely
recalled something. But really, I must
go. Mr.. Keith, or I shall be late at the
theater. You have not attended since
/ Gamer"
No" arising from the table with
her However, / have heard you
sing before, and hope | may again"
How tenderly you dwell on that
word hope" she said banteringly, 1T
almost makes me envious."
Your resemblance almost makes
me forget"
But not quite?'
No, not quite" he confessed,
smiling back into her quizzing eyes.
They went out into the hall togeth-
Il
at the door. The latter stared at the
two with some embarrassment. for a
moment forgetful of his purpose His
gaze settled on the face of the lady.
Always getting you two Mixed" he
blurted forth Never saw such re-
semblance-positively uncanny-same
hotel too means trouble-this Miss
Waite?'
No, Doctor; | am Miss Maclaire."
Ought to have known tiff | knew
as much about faces as do about an
atomy never would make such mis-.
take-very sorry-what fooled me was
seeing you with Keith-thought he
was after the other one-gay dog
though-never satisfed-was hunting
after you"
After me?" evidently amused
Certainly-you-went to the room
then to the clerk-said you were
in at supper-just occurred to me
streets here bad at night-thought I'd
ask you to let me escort you to thea
ter and back-a bit of lunch later"
he glanced suspiciously at Keith
probably got here too late.
Well, really. you have. Doctor
she replied sweetly, yelling her eyes
to hide their laughter. But / can as
sure you it is not Mr.. Keith" cour-
tesying slightly to the latter, "for he
has not honored me; we merely met
by chance at the table. am sure
should enjoy your company exceeding
ly, but tonight / must plead previ
Gus engagement"
Allah, some other night?"
With pleasure, yes"
The doctor faded away into the Of
fee, not wholly satisfied because Keith
still fingered Miss Christie extended
her hand.
Isn't he funny man? But do like
him-someway | like SO many people
whom perhaps | ought not including
you. Mr.. Jack Keith. Please think
over what | told you about Mr.. Haw-
ley, won't your"
Certainly; you have given me food
for thought / presume he is to be
your escOrt?'
She bowed. evidently resenting the
question.
Yes, and 1t may interest you te
know that he has something of the ut
most Importance to tell me tonight
he has actually seen my guardian
Don't you wish you could be there?"
She gave him tantalizing smile
L. = - =