Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-07-18
CHAPTER XVIII.

me stage Door OF the Trocadero.
Hope discovered very little difficulty
In duplicating tie outer garments
Keith reported Miss Maclaire as wear
ms. The colors, indeed, We're not ex-
actly the same, yet this difference was
not sufficient to be noticeable at night
by the eyes of man who had no rea-
son to suspect deceit. The girl was
in f9utter of nervous excitement as
she haatened about the room, donning
her few requirements of masquerade.
yet Keith noted with appreciation that
she became perceptibly cooler as the
moment o. departure approached.
With cheeks aflame and eyes spark
ling. yet speaking with voice re-
vealing no falter, she pressed his arm
and declared herself prepared for the
ordeal. The face under the shadow
OF the mantilla was SO arch and
piquant, Keith could not disguise his
admiration.
Am l Christie Maclaire?" she asked
laughtngly.
Sufficiently SO to fool our friend"
he returned. but am ready to swear
that lady never looked 80 charming"
compliment, and spoken a.
though you really meant it"
Have l not been honest enough
with you in the past to be credited
with honesty now" he protested, a lit
tie hurt by the bantering tone.
OF course you have; l merely talk
tightly to keep my courage up. You
can have no idea how afraid am"
Then you are truly an actress, for
you appear the picture of enjoyment.
But We must go, or Hawley will be
there before us, and thus spoil all our
plans"
They passed out through the offioe
together, seeing no one familiar to
either. Hope keeping her face par
TALLY concealed. The east side Of the
street was less frequented than tho
other having fewer saloons along its
way. and they chose its darkness. AS
they advanced, the long habit Of from
tier life caused Keith to glance be-
hind before they had progressed q
block, and he was thus made aware
that they were being followed. Con-
lversing lightly. and without word
to alarm the girl, he managed to OBJ
serve every movement of the dimly
outlined figure which advanced with
them, timing every motion to theirs.
Long before they crossed the street
to the Trocadero he was convinced
there was no mistake-the fellow,
whoever he might be, was trailing
them. Keith smiled grimly to himself,
resolving that as soon as he had left
the lady he would teach the spy les
son not soon to be forgotten
They barely entered the outer circle
OF the Trocadero lights, noting a group
OF men thronging about the doors, and
hearing the sound of the band within,
and then turned swiftly down the mar
row dark alleyway leading toward the
stage entrance. Keith, having been
there before. advanced confidently, but
Hope. her heart beating wildly, chung
to his arm, scarcely venturing word
in reply to his whispered assurances.
Fortunately they encountered no one,
and Keith, feeling cautiously in the
dark. easily succeeded In locating the
opening to the vestibule. Listening
intently he became convinced that no
one occupied the little she'd He had
intended to remain with the girl until
the time came for her to emerge, but
1.-THE remembranceof that figure logging
them all the way from the hotel now
caused a change of plan. He held
her hand closely clasped in his
Now. Hope, am going to leave
you" he whispered, and your own
wit will have to carry you through
know you will play your part all right,
and 1t will be mine to wait for Chris
tie, and give her some explanation of
why Hawley failed to meet her as he
promised. 1t will never do for her to
suspect. until you have time to learn
all possible. You are not afraid"
YES. l am" clinging to him. but
Tn Noan q 0vurpa