Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1912-11-22
CHAPTER XXI.
The Search for the Missing.

The note of unrestrained Joy Of re-
lief in the woman's voice rang through
the room, stilling all else, and caus-
ing those who heard to forget for an
instant the sterner purpose of their
gathering. Fairbain bent over her.
like fat guardian angel, patting her
shoulder, her eyes so blurred with
tears as to be practically sightless, yet
still turned questioningly upon Waite.
The sheriff was first to recover
speech, and a sense of duty.
Then this let's Miss Maclaire out
of the conspiracy charge" he said,
gravely, but 1t doesn't make 1t any
brighter for Hawley so far as | can
see-there's robbery charge against
him If nothing else. Any one here
know where the fellow is?"
For a moment no one answered, al
though Keith took a step forward, re-
minded instantly Of Hopes predtca-
ment. Before he could speak, however,
Christie looked up, with swift gesture
pushing back her loosened hair.
HE was to have met me at the
theater tonight" she said, her voice
trembling, but was not there when
| came out; he-he said he had i'm
portant news for me-"
And failed to show up-did he send
no message?"
Doctor Fairbain was waiting for
me instead. He said that Mr.. Hawley
was called suddenly out of town."
The eyes of the sheriff turned to
Fairbain, whose face grew redder
than usual, as he shifted his gaze
toward Keith
THAT was lie," he confessed,
lamely. II was told to say that. "
Just a moment, Sheriff" and Keith
stood before them, his voice clear and
convincing. my name is Keith, and
have unavoidably been mixed up in
this affair from the beginning. Just
now | can relieve the doctor of his
embarrassment. Miss Hope Waite
and | have been associated together
in an effort to solve this mystery. This
evening, taking advantage of the re,
markable resemblance existing be,
tween herself and Miss Maclaire. Miss
Hope decided upon a mask"
whats that" Waite broke in ex
citedly. 'Ts Hope here?"
"Yes, has been for week: we've
had all the police force of Sheridan
hunting you"
The old man stared at the speaker
open-mouthed, and muttered some
thing about Fort Hays. but Keith, pay
ing little attention to him. hurried OF
with his story.
"As | say, she decided upon imper
sonating Christie here, hoping in this
way to learn more regarding Hawley's
plans. We had discovered that the
two were to meet after the evening
performance at the stage door of the
Trocadero. | escorted Hope there
dressed as near like Miss Maclaire al
possible, and left her inside the vesti
bule waiting for Black Bart to ap
pear. At the head Of the alley | raj
into Fairban. told him something o
the circums noes, and persuaded hin
to escort Miss Christie back to thu
hotel. He was not very hard to per
suade Well, Hawley came, and Hop
met him; they went out of the alley
way together arm in arm, talking
pleasantly, and turned this way tc
ward the hotel The doctor and
both saw and heard them. | was dc
layed not to exceed two minutes
speaking a final word to Fairbain, an
: when | reached the street they ha
: disappeared. | have hunted Their
everywhere without finding trace
have even been through the resorts
She has not returned to the hotel. an
burst In upon you here hoping tina
Miss Maclaire might have some info
nation"
She shook her head, and Waite
glaring impotently at the two of then
: swore sharply.
t Good God, man! my girl! Hop
alone with that damn villain. Com
t on. Sheriff; we've got to find he
r Wait, thought" and he strobe almos
3 menacingly across the room. "Firs
+ | want to know who the devil 20
l are?"
8 Keith Strengthened up, looking
8 rectly into the fierce questioning eye
(To BE coNTINUED3
Thoughts are things that men wit