The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-04-26

seem an actuality-which brought it home to her as a rugged fact But for that-and Keith-Keith sitting there before her@she would have doubted it all. And yet even Keith had come into her life so suddenly, so unexpect- edly, as to leave her dazed and un. certain, that she extended her hand and touched him, as though to make sure of his actual presence.
 What is it, Hope?"
 "Oh, nothing-nothing," her voice breaking in little sob. Tt is so silly, but was just wondering If you were real-everything seems so impossible. I cannot bring my mind to grasp the situation"
 He did not smile, but only took the groping hand into both of his own.
 T think I understand, little girl = he said gravely. You are totally un- used to such life. Almost without a plunged into a maelstrom of adventure, and are all confused. It is different with me-since the first shot at Sum- ter my life has been one of action, and adventure has grown to be the stimulus I need, and upon which I thrive. But I assure you," pressing the soft hand warmly, T am real.'
 "Of course I know that; 1t makes me glad to know it. If I could only do something myself, and not just sit here, 1t would all become real enough to me-"
 She rose suddenly to her feet, clasp Ing her hands together. her face changing with new animation.
 why couldn't I? I am sure could. Oh, Mir Keith, it has just come to me how I can help"
 He looked at her questioningly, thinking of her beauty rather than of what she said.
 'Do-do I really appear so much nke-like that woman?" she asked anxiously.
 Very much, indeed, excepting for the slight difference in age"
 That would never be noticed in the dark, or, a poor light. Am I the same height?"
 Practically, yes"
 And my voice e?-could you distin- guish me from her by my voice?"
 T might; yet probably not, unless my suspicious were aroused. What is it you are thinking about?"
 She took a deep breath, standing now directly facing him in the light.
 "Of playing Miss Maclaire tonight" she said quickly. "Of taking her place, and learning what it Is of SO much importance Hawley has to re- port. Don't you think 1t might be done?"
 The sheer audacity of this unexpect- ed proposal left him speechless. He arose to his feet, gripping the back of the chair, almost doubting if he could have heard aright, his eyes searching the girls face which was glowing with excitement. Of course he could not permit of her exposure to such a risk; the scheme was tmprao- ticable, absurd. But was it? Did it not offer a fair chance of success? And was not the possible result worthy the risk assumed? He choked back the earlier words of protest un- uttered, puzzled as to what he had best say. A Quick-witted resourceful woman might accomplish all she pro- posed.
 'It looks so simple" she broke in impulsively, moving nearer him. Don't you think could do it7 Would 1t be unwomanly?"
 "The result, if accomplished, would abundantly justify the means, Hope" he acknowledged at last. T was not hesitating on that account, but con- sidering the risk you would incur"
 That would be so small-merely tho short walk alone with him from the theater to the hotel" she plead. ed "Once here it could make no diff ference if he did discover my Identity.