The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1912-03-22

Il
opinion .,f his ally. y There is TO much
at stake Walt here, Hope, and will
be back The veryrjmoment learn all
that Is necessary.H
/ A glance at the ONCE clock con.
WINGED Keith that, in all probability,
Miss Maclaire had not, as yet, de-
| parted for the scene OF her evening
triumph Still, II could not be long
before she woulS, and he lit a cigar,
sitting down in corner partially
concealed by the clerks desk to wait
her appearance. This required longer
than anticipated, and fearing lest he
might have missed the departure en-
tirely, he was about to question the
busy Thomas, when he beheld Hawley
enter hurriedly from the street and
run up the. stairs He, then. had been
the laggard All the better, as he
would now have no opportunity to I'M
fold his tale to the lady, as l. would
be necessary for them to hurry to the
theater. Whatever the nature of the
revelation 1t would have to wait until
the walk home. The excitement OF
the adventure was already creeping
into Keith's blood, his pulse quicken
ing.
The two returned almost immedi-
ately, conchsiyely proving that Miss
Maclaire, fully dressed for the street,
had been awaiting the arrival of her
gallant with some impatience. Hawley
was busily explaining his delay as
they came down the stairs, and paid
little attention to the seemingly de-
serted office. Indeed. Miss Christie
monopolized all his thoughts. With
quick scrutiny the watcher noted the
more conspicuous articles OF apparel
constituting her costume-the white
mantilla thrown over her head, the
neatly fitting blue dress, the light
cape covering the shoulders-surely
1t would not be difficult to duplicate
these, so as to pass muster under the
dim light of the streets. Far enough
In their rear to feel safe from obser-
walton he followed, noting with In
creased pleasure the rapidity with
which they covered the required dis
lance. Clearly Miss Christie was al
ready nervous lest she have not suf-
hcient time remaining in which to
properly dress for her act, and there
would be no exchange of condolences
on the outward journey Hawley left
her, as Keith anticipated, at the stage
entrance, the lady Fastening within.
Her escort strolled leisurely back to
the front of the house, and finally,
purchasing a ticket, entered, the per
Torrance already having begun.
Keith knew perfectly the arrange
ment of the theater-the seats in
front; tables all through the center;
gallery filled with benches; a noisy
orchestra beneath the stage; a crowd
ed audience of men, with only here
and there scattered representative
OF the gentler sex; busy walters dodg-
ing In and out among the tables, and
Gown the aisles. filling orders for
liquids from the nearby saloon. The
mir would be pungent with the odor
Of drink, thick with the fumes of to- |
Dacco, and noisy with voices, except |
Is some special fayorite on the stage |
won temporary attention. The Troca-
Zero possessed but one redeeming
eature--no doorway connected stage
md auditorium and the management
,rooked no interference with his
Irtists. It had required some nerve
o originally enforce this rule. togeth-
r with smart fight or two. but at
his period It was acknowledged and
expected. No sooner had Hawley
anished than Keith found occasion
o enter into casual conversation with
ne doorkeeper, asking a number of
and leaving impressed
pom the m-ld of that astute indiyid-
al the idea that he was dealing with
gent enamored OF one of the
tage beauties. coin slipped quietly
lto the mans hand served to deepen
bis impression, and unlocked discreet
ps otherwise sworn to secrecy. Out
much general information little
real value was thus extracted
liss Maclaire's act began at 9.45 and
as over promptly at 1910. II re-
iired about twenty minutes more for
er to change again into street
othes. and she usually left the thea
II Immediately after. which would be
bout 1880 Yes. there was vesti-
lle outside the stage door, and on
I'D nights, those waiting for the la.
es could slip in there, But on such
night as this they generally hung {
'ound outside. No, there was no !
atchman, but the manager was fire.
iently proving around. He'd be
lsy. however, at 1890 getting the {
age ready for the Flying Her ,
AIMS Abundantly satisfied and re-
sting the door.keepers professional d
question that he'd better buy a c
,ket and take look at the show, h
eth slipped away. and fastened back i
the hotel The more he investi-
ted the more feasible appeared the a
rl's plan, and he was now fully com ;.
tted TO It, a