The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1912-02-01
CHAPTER XIV.

Keith did not inform Hope of her
brothers death until the following
morning, but had the body properly
prepared for burial, and devoted the
remainder Of the night to searching
for General Waite, and, incidentally,
for both Hawley and Scott. Both
Hickock and Fairbain assisted in this
effort to learn the whereabouts of the
dead boys father. but without the
slightest result, nor did Keith's inves.
LEGATIONS reveal the gambler at any OF
his accustomed resorts, while Scott
had apparently made a complete get.
away. These disappearances merely
served to convince him as to the truth
of his first suspicious; Scott might
have departed for good, but Hawley
would certainly reappear just as soon
as assured his name had not been
mentioned in connection with the
tragedy. To Neb alone did the plains.
man candidly confide his belief in the
guilt of these two. and when other
duties called him elsewhere, he left
the negro securing the town for any
possible temperance of either.
Heavy-eyed from lack of sleep.
heavy hearted with his message, yet
fully decided as to what advice he
should offer, Keith returned to the
hotel, and requested an interview with
Hope: Although still comparatively
early, some premonition Of evil had
awakened the girl, and in a very few
moments she was prepared to receive
her visitor. A questioning glance into
his face was sufficient to assure her OF
unpleasant news, but, with one quick
breath, she grasped his arm as though
his very presence afforded heI
strength.
How tired you look! Something
has occurred to keep you out all night
-and-and l know you have brought
me bad news. Don't be afraid to tell
me; l can bear anything better than
suspense Is it about father?"
mo, Hope" and he took her hand
and led her to q chair. Bending above
her he gave her the whole story of the
night, and she scarcely interrupted
with question, sitting there dry-eyed
with only an occasional sob shaking
her slender form. As he ended, she
looked up into his face, and now he
could see a mist Of unshed tears In
her eyes.
What shall do, Captain Keith? !
am all alone with this, except fol
you"
II have considered that, Hope" he
answered. gravely, land 1t seems to
me your present duty is more to the
living than the dead You sho,lld re-
main here until we learn something
definite regarding your father, and
discover the truth of this conspiracy
formed against him. If Fred could
know the trouble his chance words
have caused, he would wish you to do
this. With him gone, we are going to
find the unravelling harder than ever.
1t is my Judgment, Hope. your broth
er should be buried here
She shuddered. her hands pressed
to her eyes.
"Oh, on that horrible Boots Hill?"
"Only temporarily, little GIRL" his
voice full of deepest sympathy. I'm
q few weeks, perhaps, it could be re-
moved East"
She was silent for what seemed to
him a long while; then she looked up
into his face, clinging to his arm.
YES" she said, that will be best"
That same afternoon, the sun low
In the west, they placed the dead boy
In his shallow grave on Boots HILL"
1t was a strange funeral, in strange
environment-all about the barren, de.
serted plains; far away to the east
and west, the darker line marking the
railroad grade, and just below, nestled
close in against the foot of the hill.
the squalid town of tents and shacks
There were not many to stand beside
the open grave, for few in Sheridan
knew the lad, and funerals were not
uncommon-some cronies, half
and maudlin. awed somewhat by the
presence Of the marshal, Doctor Fair
balm, Keith and Hope. That was all
excepting the post chaplain from Fort
Hays, who, Inspired b. . glimpse oa
the girls unveiled face, spoke simple
words q comfert Il was a oysl
witAl renjckly. ana with the, red s1a
stiN AnSes3ng on, the AoxiGon. tAs htt3a
party slowly wended their way back
down the steep trail into the ono long
street Of Sheridan.
At tho hotel Neb was waiting, the
whites Of his eyes shining with e1
element, his patomime indicating i'm
portant news. As soon AZ he could
leave Hope, Keith hurried down to
interview his dusky satellite, who ap
peared about to burst with restrained
information As soon as uncorked
that individual began to flow vnlpblv: