The state herald., 1912-01-12

doubt, Providing the gambler pos
sessed the proper papers he would
have small difficulty in convincing the
girl that she was indeed the one
sought. Keith had probed sufii GENTLY
into her mind to feel assured that her
inclination was to side with Hawley.
Under all the circumstances this was
natural enough, and he did not blame
her.
He glanced into the bar.room as he
passed, not in any anticipation. but
merely from the vigilance which be-
comes second nature upon the from
tier. Hawley stood leaning against
the bar, where he could see any one
passing through the hall. The eyes
of the two men met. but the gambler
never moved. never changed his at
titude, although Keith noted that his
right hand was hidden beneath the
skirts OF his long coat. The plains
man drew back. facing his enemy. un-
I'll he reached the outer door. There
was a sneer on Hawley's dark SIMS
ter face like an invitation. but a men,
DRY OF the girl he had Just left. and
her dependence upon him. caused
Keith to avoid an encounter. He
would fight this affair out In a differ
ent way. AS the door opened and he
slipped forth into the gloom. he brush
ed against man apparently just en-
instant upon the face of the other-it
WIS Scotty with the REQ moustache
They had been watching for him
then-what for? Hawley on the in
side. and this man Scott without. were
waiting to determine when he left
the hotel; would probably dog his
| footsteps to discover where he went.
Keith loosened his revolver. so as to
be assured he could draw quickly. and
slipped back into the shadow OF the
steps. his eyes on the door OF the
hotel There was cold drizzly rain
| falling, the streets almost deserted.
appearing sodden and miserable
where the lights shone forth through
saloon windows One or two men.
seeking supper. coat collars turned up
and hats drawn low over their eyes.
climbed the rickety steps and went in.
but no one came out Perhaps he
was mistaken as TO the purpose OF
/ merely TO know when he left. or
| SCOTS return Just at that moment
might have been an accident To be
! sure, the hotel possessed back exit.
but he could not cover both ends OF
the building. and must take his
chances. II was too wet and disagree.
able to remain crouched there. now
that II was evident there was no in.
tention OF following him With hand
on the butt OF his gun. suspicious and
watchiul. yet with scarcely faster
beat to bis heart. Keith Strengthened
up, and began splashing his way
through the mud down the street. He
knew where willoughby would be
most likely found at this hour-with
eronies at the ''Tenderioot" he
meant to discover the boy. and make
him confess to Hope the truth. Mat.
tors had now reached point where
/ longer delay was dangerous,
SHERIDAN was see,ii'hsH ueau' 'no
long street s"eht' s'oo"l'' o'"eh, eh'
eept lor NOSE streams o. Saloon "sh.
SHINING aeIoss poo" VI water a te"
wanderers piousheu 'nroush 'ne muck.
aim uncertain Shapes appearing ana
vanishing IN the gloom. Tie hhd gone
a block ana over the struggle against
the elements leaving MIN torgeuui OF
all else Nheh man feeled out OF
some dimly III shack TO his right. and
staggered drunkenly forward few
feet In advance. lie could barely dis
unguish the fello~Ss outlines. giving
little thought to the occurrence. for
the way was unusually black along
there, tho saloon opposite having
shades drawn. Suddenly hash OF
red IRE spurted Into the night with n
sharp report, " was so close nj hand
It blinded him. and he nung up one
arm over his eyes, and yet. In that
single instant. he perceived the whole
picture M revealed by the red nnme
lie saw the man In front 30 down In