Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-06-27
tcopyright. A. c. Mcclurg Co.. 1900

>~~A
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, 1t was
Miss Maclaire! Yet how could 1t be?
He had left that person scarcely five
minutes before in go" and this stair
way was the only exit His hand
grasped the rail, his heart throbbing
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. am so glad came In
| time"
II hardly thought to meet you," he
replied, retaining her fingers in his
grasp when did you reach Sheri-
dam"
Only last night. / had no idea you
were here until Doctor Fairbain
CHANGED to mention your name Then
at once begged him to tell you how
exceedingly anxious was to see you.
You see, l was sure you would come
If you only knew really thought
you would be here this morning, and
remained In my room waiting, but
there were some things actually had
to have. l wasn't out ten minutes. so
you mustn't think sent you mes
sage and then forgot
The nature of the mistake was be-
coming apparent, and Keiths gray
eyes smiled as they looked into the
depths of the brown
Your message had rather an anus
Ing result" he said, las 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, l did forget; l never told him diff
ferently. Why, 1t was most ridieu-
lous." She laughed, white teeth
cleaning between the parted req lips.
yet not altogether happily. Let me
explain, Captain Keith, for really
have not been masquerading. Doctor
Fairbain and l arrived upon the same
train last evening. He is such a fun.
ny man, but was very nice, and offer.
ed to escort me to the hotel. remem.
Der now that although he introduced
himself, I never once thought to men.
ton to him my name. The town was
very rough last night-the company
had paid of the graders was told
and there was no carriage, SO we were
compelled to walk. IL never saw
such mob of drunken men. One
came Keeling 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. tina,
1 was Christie Maclaire tried tt
explain. but they hurried me OF
through the crowd to the hotel, and
became confused, and forgot Do 20,
suppose they registered me by tha
name?"
Quite likely; at least Fairbain still
believes it was the Christie whom ht
so CALAMITY escorted last night"
How provoking" her foot tapping
the floor, little wrinkle between he
eyes. ut seems as though couldn'
escape that woman-does she-does
she really look like me?"
"At little distance, yes" he ad
mitted. her form and face resembl,
yours very closely. but her hair Ii
darker. her eyes have different ex
preston, and she must be five or st
years older"
. "Do--do you know her well?"
mo, indeed; have seen her sever
, al times on the stage, but never me
her until few moments ago"
"A few moments ago! Do you meal
, she Is here In this hotel?"
Yes. Miss Hope, and that was wha
made the mistake in names so laugh