The state herald., 1912-02-09

| It's being him even In this darkness.
Goodbye"
The longing to clasp her in his
arms, to speak the language OF his
heart was almost overwhelming, yet
the memory of that figure sinking
along behind them, and the brief time
before Hawley's probable appearance.
for he would leave the theater at the
conclusion of Miss Maclaire's act re-
strained all demonstration. This was
moment for action. not for words OF
love; no delay should hazard the sue
cess of their undertaking. He heard
the slight creak Of the door as the
girl slipped within the concealment
OF the vestibule. and then he glided
away through the darkness with the
stealthy silence OF an Indian. There
was no one in the alley-way. which
was narrow and easily explored. but
the glow from the front windows
plainly revealed the shadow of man
near the entrance. and Keith slipped
up toward him. hugging the side OF
the building for concealment, prepared
to resort to harsh measures. AS he
reached out, gripping the astonished
loiterer by the collar, they stared at
one another in surprise. and the grip
ping hand as instantly released its
hold.
You. Fairbainl' What the devil does
this mean? What are you spying on
US for?"
Clearly taken aback, yet not greatly
disturbed. his eyes showing pugnaci.
Gus and his jaw set. the Doctor rubbed
his throat where Keiths knuckles had
left a red welt.
"DamL you. | think I'm the one TO
ask for an explanation" he growled.
She said she was not going with you.
and now you are around here together
at this hour. | had a right to know
whether | was being played with like
that"
But, man, that was not Miss Mac.
laire ! was with; 1t was Hope Waite
Come back here under the tent flap
while | explain"
Fearful of the coming of Hawley
he fairly dragged the portly figure OF
the bewildered Doctor with him.
striving. by quickly spoken words. TO
make him comprehend the situation.
Knowing previously something OF the
Issues involved. II was not difficult TO
make Fairbaln grasp the meaning OF
this present movement. yet his sym
pathies were at once enlisted upon the
side OF Miss Christie. He'd be damned
II he would have any part In such n
scheme-if she had right to the
money he'd help her get lit was n
cowardly trick, and he'd fight II nee.
essary, to keep her from becoming a
victim His voice rose. his arms
brandishing violently. his sentences
swapping like rifle shots. Keith an
gered. and fearful OF a discovery
which would leave Hope exposed. real
ized the futility OF discussion and
turned to physical force Grasplng the
gesticulatlng man with both hands. no
flung him backward and dragged nim
into the empty tent, kneeling on MIN
as he throttled him TO the earth
Nov. Doctor, you listen to me, no
said sternly I'm through arguing. l
hate to treat you like this, Tor you are
my friend. but IN not stand for inter
terence here DO you get that. you
old fool? Lie stlll until get throughl
I respect your feelings toward Miss
Maclairo She is n good girl. and
hope TO heaven you get her II you
want her But you never will II you
permit this AFFAIR to 10 on. Yes. l
know what am talking about In all
that Hope and | do We are serving you
and Christie-our only light Is with
Black Bart llawloy stop being n
bullet headed old fool. Fnirbain. and
understand this thing Lie stlll. I tell
you. and hear me OUT Hawley is a
liar thief and a swindlor. There
ls u swindlo In this thing somewhere.
and he hopes to pull out big sum OF
money from H. Ho Ia merely using
Christie to pun his own chcstnuta out
OF the tire she Is innocent. We real.
Ire that. bu, this fellow IL going to
ruin the girl unlenA We succeed IN er'
posing him He's not oaly involving
her IN his criminal conspiracy. but
he's making love to her. he's teaching
her to love him That's part OF mis-
scheme. no doubt. Tor then she will DO
80 much easier handled toll you.
Fairbain. your only chance to ever
win the interest OF Christie Mnclairs
is to help IN down this fellow Hav.
Icy Yes, you can sit up. reckon
you're beginning 20 see clearer. amt
your"