River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-01-18
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

Keith drew aside the flap of the
tent to glance without, the light fall
ing on Fairbanks face as he struggled
to a sitting posture. He bad had
new thought driven into him, yet
failed to entirely grasp its signiti-
canoe.
But. Jack" he asked, still half
angry. how about the girl? Hasn't
she any right to this money!?
Il don't know" honestly, I'VE don't
any of us know, but whatever she has
the right to she is going to get. You
can bet on that, old man. We're buck
ing Hawley, not Christie Maclaire-
get that into your head He hasn't any
right, that's certain. for he murdered
and stole to get the papers-be quiet!
Here the fellow comes now!"
They peered out together through
the convenient tent flap, Fairbain
scarcely less interested than the 9TH
er, already dimly comprehending that
his truly dangerous rival was the
gambler. and that he could best serve
the lady by helping to prove to her
the real character of that individual.
He was still blindly cropping in the
haze. yet out of Keith's sharp. sting
Ing words there had come to him a
guiding light. The latter gripped his
arm in restraint.
Easy. old man. easy-let him
pass"
Hawley turned into the alley wh1s-
Ting, evidently well pleased with the
situation and anticipating other de-
lights awaiting his coming. The glow
of the Trocadero's lights served, an
instant, to reveal his face. shaded by
the broad brim of his hat, and then
he vanished into the dark. Keith lean
ing far out, yet keeping we'll within
the shadows, heard the faint creak of
the vestibule door and the soft MUIR
muir of distant voices. Then he drew
back suddenly, his hand again grasp
ing Fairbain. Two figures-those of
a man and woman-emerged into the
dim light, and as quickly disappeared
Apparently her hand was upon his
arm. and he was bending down so
as to gain a glimpse of the face par
TALLY concealed by the folds of the
lnantilla. Only a word or two reached
them, a little laugh. and the woman's
voice:
why, of course hurried! you said
you had something of such Importance
to tell me-"
"Fairbain,' spoke Keith, his lips al
most at the ear of the other. THAT
was Hope. all right, and she has got
him going already. Now. man. will
you help US out?"
Il? How?"
go back there. and meet Miss
Maclaire. | don't care where you take
her-lunch, anywhere; only keep her
from the hotel as long as possible.
You can do it far better than [, for
she will not suspect you of any inter
est in this affair. Tell her any lie you
can think up on account of Hawley's
absence. Good Lord. old man, can't
you see this is your chance; go in
and win"
Fairbain struggled to his feet, still
bit dazed and uncertain, yet tempted
BY the opportunity.
You're perfectly sure. Keith. this
isn't anything that will hurt the girl?"
OuISs vi COuESS dLu. IL just
Hawley I'm cunning after. For Gods.
sake, haven't you got that clear YETI"
II reckon I'm an old fool. Jack.
admitted the Doctor regretfully, land
when an old fool is in love he hasn't
got any sense left. Anyhow III do
what you want me to now, Where are
you going?"
ITO watch those others. There is
no knowing what play Hawley might
try to pull off, and | want to keep
within gun-shot of him. Hurry up.
man; that vestibule door creaked just
then
He showed him down the dark alley
and lodged back himself across the
front of the tent out into the street.
There was a crowd of men in front of
the Trocadero, but the couple he
sought were nowhere in sight.
CHAPTER xxx.
BY Force OF Arms.