The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-04-19

Reckon you're right" he acknowl- edged at last Tired anyhow-been out all night-thought I'd like to see her again, though-fnest looking woman I've met since came Vest remarkable eyes-well, I'll go along to bed-see you again tomorrow, Jack"
 Keith watched the sturdy figure stamp heavily down the hallway, loose boards creaking under his posi- 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 harmonize with the con- ception 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 woman slowly cross the office and commence the ascent. She was in the shadow, her face even more deeply shaded by her hat, yet he stared at her in amazement-surely, it was Miss Maclaire! Yet how could it be? He had left that person scarcely five minutes before in "26," and this stair way was the only exit. His hand grasped the rail, his heart throbbfng strangely, 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. I am so glad I came in time.''
 "I hardly thought to meet you" he replied, retaining her fingers in h1s grasp. When did you reach Sheri- dan?"
 Only last night. I had no idea you were here until Doctor Fairbain chanced to mention your name. Then at once begged him to tell you how exceedingly anxious I was to see you. You see, was sure you would come if you only knew. I really thought you would be here this morning, and remained in my room waiting, but there were some things I actually had to have. I 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 depths of the brown.
 Your message had rather an anus ing result" he said, "as the doctor in formed me that Miss Christie Maclaire was the one who desired my pres ence."
 Miss Maclaire!" her voice exhibit ing startled surprise. ''Why-why- oh, did forget; I never told him diff ferently. Why, 1t was most ridicu- lous" She laughed, white teeth gleaming between the parted red lips, explain, Captain Keith, for really have not been masquerading. Doctor Fairbain and I arrived upon the same train last evening. He Is such Q fun ny man, but was very nice, and offer cd to escort me to the hotel. I remem- ber now that although he introduced himself, I never once thought to men, ton to him my name. The town was very rough last nighttime company had paid off the graders I was told and there was no carriage, so we were compelled to walk IT never saw such a mob of drunken men. One came reeling against me. and brushed aside my veil so as to see my face. The doctor struck him, and then the marshal came up-you know him. Bill Hickock-and the impudent fellow actually declared he knew me, that I was Christie Macla1re. I tried to explain, but they hurried me on the crowd to the hotel, and became confused, and forgot. Do you suppose they registered me by that name?"
 Quite likely; at least Fairbain still believes 1t was the Christie whom he 90 gallantly escorted last night"
 How provoking" her foot tapping the floor, a little wrinkle between her eyes. Tt seems as though I couldn't escape that woman-does she-does | she really look like me?'
 At a little distance. ycs," he ad- naitted. her form end face resemble | yoofs very closely. but her hair is