The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-03-15

yAmblsr all right, but he's stuck to ne when was down and cut. You know himf"
 "Just dittle," carelessly; but what sort of . trick could he be working trying to make you acknowledge Christie Maolaire as your sister,"
 willoughby did not answer. shifting uneasily about on the bed Keith waited, and at last the boy blurted put:
 "Oh, 1t wasn't nothing much. told him something when I was drunk once, that I thought maybe might have stuck to him. Odd he should make that mistake, too, for showed him Hopes picture. Bart's 8 schemer, md I didn't know but what he might have figured out a trick, though l 1on't see how he could. It wasn't no more than a pipe dream, reckon Where did you meet Hope? Back in Missouri?"
 One thing was clearly evident-the boys faith in his sister. If he was so be rightly influenced, and led back 70 her, he must have no suspicion aroused that her life was any diner- snt from what 1t had been before he left home. Besides if Keith hoped to gain any inkling of what Hawley's purpose could be, he must win the confidence of willoughby. This could not be done by telling him of Hopes present life These considerations Flashed through his mind. and as swift ly determined his answer.
 "Oh, I've known her some time. Not Iong ago did her service for which yhe Is grateful. Did you know she was out in this country searching for your"
 Out here? In Kansas?"
 Sure; that isn't much of trip Tor spirited girl She got 1t in her bead from your letters that you were !n trouble, and set out to find you md bring you home. She didn't tell me this, but that is the way heard it. It was for her sake I came in here. Why not go to her, Willoughby, and then both of you return to Missouri 2"
 The sullenness had gone out of the boys face; he looked tired, discour> Rged.
 Where is Hope?" he asked. Fort Larned, suppose. She went to Carson City first"
 Well. that settles it," shaking his head. You don't suppose I could go browsin' round Larned, and not get snapped up, do you? They don't chase feserters very far out here, but that's the post I skipped from, and they'd jug me all right. Besides. I'm damned If I'll go back until get stake. want to see a fellow first"
 What fellow?"
 Well, it's Hawley, if you want to know so bad. He said if I would come here and wait for him he'd put me on to a good thing" ss''
 The boy fldgeted along the edge of the bed, evidently half ashamed of himself, yet obstinate and unyielding- Keith sat watching his face, unable to evolve any means of changing his de cision. Hawley's influence just at present was greater than Hopes, be- cause the lad naturally felt ashamed to go sinking home penniless and de- feated. His pride held him to Hawley, and his faith that the man would re- deem his promise. Keith understood all this readily enough, and oompre- hended also that if Black Bart" had any use for the boy it would be for some criminal purpose. What was 1t? Was there 8 deeply laid plot back of all these preparations involving both Willoughby and his sister? What was it Hawley was scheming about so carefully, holding this boy deserter in one hand, while he reached out the other after Christie Maclaire? Surely, the man was not working blindly; he must have a purpose in view. W.T. loughby had acknowledged he had told the fellow something once when he was drunk-about his family history, no doubt, for he had. shown him Hopes picture What that family secret was Keith had no means of guessing. but Hawley, the moment he saw the face on the cardboard, had evidently recognized Christie Maclaire had thought of some way in wtfch what he now knew could be- turned to advantage. The few scattered facts which Keith had collected all sesmed to point to such . conclusicn-Hawley had sent the boy to Sheridan, where he would be out of sight, with orders to wait for him there, and the prom 1se of . stake" to keep him quiet Then he had gons to Independence and Topeka seeking after Christie Maclaire.@ Evidently he meant to keep the two apart until he had gained from each whatever it was he sought. But what could that be7 What family secret could Willoughby have blurted out in his cups, which had so stimulated the gamblers witsY si Two things combined to cause Keith to determine he would uncover this rascalfty-his' desire to repay Hawley, and his interest in the girl rescued on the Salt Fork. This gossa- mer web of intrigue into which he had stumbled unwittingly was nothing to him personally; had 1t net involved