The state herald., 1912-02-16
CHAPTER xxx.
BY Force Of Arms.

With her heart throbbing fercely.
Hope clung to the outer door Of the
vestibule endeavoring to see little
of what was transpiring without.
About her was dense darkness, and
she dare not explore the surroundings.
Behind could be heard, through what
must have been a thin partition, the
various distractions of the stage.
shifting scenery. music. shuffling feet.
voices, and the occasional sound OF
applause. The girl had nerved herself
to the encounter with Hawley. but
this waiting here in darkness and un-
certainty tried her to the uttermost
II some one should venture out that
way how could she excuse her pres
ence or explain her purpose? She
found herself trembling in every limb
from nervous fear, startled by every
strange sound. Would the man never
come? Surely Christie herself must
be ready to depart by this time.
Almost prepared to fee before the
terrors thus conjured up within her
mind. they left her as If by magic the
moment her straining eyes distin-
guished the approach of dim figure
without She could not tell who It
was. only that II was the unmistakable
form OF a man. and that he was whis-
Ting softly to himself. II might not
prove TO be the gambler. but she must
accept the chance. for flesh and blood
could stand the strain of waiting no
| longer. Yet she was not conscious of
fear. only of exultation. as she stepped
forth into the open. her blood again
circulating freely in her veins. AT
the slight creak of the door the man
saw her. his whistle ceasing, his hat
lifted. Instantly she recognized him
as Hawley. her heart leaping with the
excitement of encounter.
why. hullo. Christie" he said IN.
miliarly. Il thought | was early, and
expected a ten minutes wait came
out as soon rs you left the stage
"oh. ! can dress in a jiny when
there is any cause for hurry" Hope
responded. permitting herself to drift
under his guidance. Are you disap-
pointed' Would you prefer to com.
mune with nnture7"
We'll. ! should say not" drawing
her hand through his arm, and then
patting It with his own. Il have seen
about all I care TO OF nature. but not
OF Christie Maclaire.'
You may learn to feel the same
regarding her." Hope answered. afraid
to encourage the man. yet eagerly
fearful lest she fail TO play her part
Alright
Not the slightest danger" laughing
lightly. and pressing her arm more
closely against his body. Although
must confess you exhibited some TEN.
per when | was late tonight"
did not have occasion tor A
woman should never be kept waiting.
especially n her engagement bo Inn
pcratiye."
"oh. am not finding any fault. you
little spitfiro like you all the bet.
ter because you fight. But the trou.
bic was. Christie. you simply jumped
on me without even asking how It oc.
CURED. You took II for granted wns
late on purpose TO spite you"
We'll. weren't your" and the girl
glanced inquiringly up into his face.
as they passed out OF the alley into
tho light OF the Troeadero's windows.
You certainly acted that way"
mo, did not. but you wouldn't
listen. and besides I had no time then
to explain. There's lot happened
this afternoon want TO tell you
about. WIN you give mo time to talk
with your"
why. OF course" surprised Mt the
question. yet full Of cngorncsn. why
should you ask thatH''
''B,cauac want you alone where
no ono can ovorhear n syllable. I'm
afraid OF that damned hotel You
never know vho Ia In the next room.
and the nligbtoat whisper travels from
one end TO the other. That in ono way
in which Keith got onto our deai-he
had room next 10 wiliouRhby and
Scott. and overheard them talking
I'm not going 10 tnko any more
chances VIII you so TO 'shocny
Joo's' with mcI"
She drew back from him.
'shccny joe'a7 You mean tho m
loon near the dopotH"
Sure; what's the use OF being no
naucaminb7 You uing and dance 10 n
saloon crowd. don't your oh. know
you're good girl, Christie, and all
that I'm not ranking you with these
fy,by nights around here. hut there's
no reason that ! can SOC why you
should shy 80 at n saloon, besides.
you won't see any one. Joe has got
some back room where We can be
nlnne. and hhNn a bite 10 ont whlla