The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1912-04-12

tended making for Carson City, where
he could securely hide the girl, and
where he possessed friends to rally
10 his defence even an Influence over
the officers OF the law. The one thing
which puzzled him most was the
mans object In attempting so dcsper-
ate venture. Did he know his pris-
oner was Hope Waite? or did he still
suppose he was running off with Chris
tie Maclaire7 Could some rumor OF
Waite's appeal to the courts have
reached the gambler. frightened him.
and caused him TO attempt this des-
perate effort at escape2 and did he
bear Miss Maclaire with him, hoping
TO keep her safely concealed until
he was better prepared To come out in
open fight? II this was the actual
state OF affairs then II would account
for much otherwise hard to explain.
The actress would probably not have
been missed. or. at least, seriously
sought after, until she failed to APP
pear at the theater the following even
Ing This delay would give the fu-
git " start of twenty hours. or
ey, more, and practically assure
thSir safety. Besides. In the light OF
Walte's application to the sheriff for
assistance, II was comparatively easy
TO conceive OF valid reason why
Hawley should vanish. and desire.
likewise. to take Miss Maclaire with
him But there was no apparent oc,
casion. for his forcible abduction OF
Hope. or course. ne might have done
30 from a suddenly aroused 1T OF an,
ger ut some discovery the girl had
made, yet everything pointed rather
to deliberate plan. Both horses and
men were certainly waiting there un-
der orders, Hawleys adherents in
charge, and every arrangement per
fected in advance. Clearly enough
the gambler had planned 1t all out
before he ever went to the Troca-
dero-no doubt the completion of
these final arrangements was what de
layed his appearance at the hotel II
this was all true, then II must have
been Christie, ana not Hope, he pur.
posed bearing away with him, and the
latter was merely victim OF her mas
querade
What would result when the man
discovered his mistaken Such dis.
covery could not be delayed long. al
though the girl was auics.witted. and
would surely realize that her personal
safety depended upon keeping up the
deception TO the last possible moment
Yet the discovery must finally occur.
and there was no guessing what form
iiawley's rage would assume when he
found himself bafIled and all his
plans for fortune overturned Keith
fully realized Hopes peril. and his,
own helplessness to serve her in this
emergency was agony Az they hur.
Red back to the town. he briefly re-
viewed these conclusions with Waite
and Fairbain, all alike agreeing there
Mas nothing remaining for them 10 do
except to take up the trail The fugi
Ives had already gained too great an
advantage to be overhanled. but they |
might be traced TO whatever point |
hey were heading for. In spite OF the
start being so Tar TO the west. Keith
yas firmly convinced that their destin. |
ition would prove TO IL Carson city,
Procuring horses at the corral. their
o. ces- augmented by two volunteers
loth men OF Keith, Waite.
'alrbain and Neb departed without
lelay. not even pausing TO eat but
aking the necessary food with them.
The sun had barely risen when they
ook up the trail, Keith. and a man
famed Bristoe. slightly In advance.
heir keen eyes marking every Sigh
ign left for guidance across the bare
lain. II was comparatively easy
rail to follow. leading directly into
he southwest, the pony tracks cutting
nto the sod as though the reckless
iders had punched together. their
orses trotting rapidly Evidently no
ttompt had been made at conceal.
nent. and this served to convince the
'ursuers that Hawley still believed
lis captive TO be Miss Maclaire. and
hat her disappearance would not be
Inspected until after nightfall In
hat case the tEall could not be dis.
oyered befofe tho following morn
NIX. and with such a start. pursuit
'ould be useless TIreless. steadily.
carcely speaking except upon the
usiness in hand, the pursuers pressed
onward at an easy trot, Keith, in spite
{ intense anxiety. with the remem-
rance OF old cavalry days to guide
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