Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1912-01-09

NATURALLY UTHled INTO 0Fli COHpdHy
His one ambition Is to break away
and redeem himself. am so anxious
to help him, and wish you could real
ize his purpose. as | do. and become
his friend Won't you, for my sake?
Why. even in this affair he has not
the slightest mercenary purpose-he
has only thought of what was rightful-
ly mine
Keith listened, feeling to the full the
woman's earnestness, the impossible
ty of changing her fixed conviction.
Hawley had planted his seed deep and
well in fruitful soil
You make a strong and charming
advocate. Miss Maclaire." he returned.
feeling the necessity of saying some
thing. Il should like to have you
equally earnest on my side. Yet 1t
will be hard TO convince me that
Black Bart is the paragon OF virtue
you describe. | wish | might believe
for your sake. Did he also explain
how he came into possession of these
papers?
"Oh. yes. indeed; there is no secret
about that They were entrusted to
him by an old man whom ne discov-
cred sick in independence. and who
died in his rooms three years ago.
Mr.. Hawley has been searching ever
since for the old mans granddaughter.
1t is remarkable how he was finally
con inced that | was the one"
"A photograph. was it not?"
A CLEAN of sudden suspicion APP
peared in the brown eyes. a slight
change in facial expression.
That was clue. yes. but far from
being all. But why should | tel you
his?-you believe nothing say"
Il believe that you believe; that
you are fully convinced of the justice
of your claim. Perhaps it is just. but
| | am suspicious of anything which
T5sis Hawley has a hand in. Miss
Christie. you really make me wish to
retain your friendship. but | cannot
do so if the cost includes faith in
Hawley Do you know that is not
even his name-that he lives under an
alias?"
is there anything strange in that
out here?" she asked stoutly. II told
you how deeply he regretted his life;
that alone would be sufficient cause
for him to drop his family name. Did
you ever learn his true name?"
He was not sure-oniy as Neb had
reported what Waite had called the
man. yet ventured direct reply
as prefix"
"Rartlett!- Bartlett" her hands
clasping. and unclasping nervously
Why, what a strange coincidence"
How? What do you mean?"
'Oh, nothing biting her
lips in vexation The name merely
recalled something. But really. | must
CO. Mr.. Keith. or | shall be late at the
theater You have rot attended since
came?"
No" arising from the table with
her However. | have heard you
sing before. and hope | may again"
How tenderly you dwell on that
word hope she said banteringly. lit
almost makes me envious.''
Your resemblance almost makes
me forget"
But not quite?"
No. not quite" ne confessed
smiling back into her quizzing eyes
They went out into the hall togeth-
er. only to meet with Doctor Fairbain
at the door. The latter stared at the
two with some embarrassment, for a
moment forgetful of his purpose. His
gaze settled on the face of the lady
Always getting you two mixed" he
blurted forth. Never saw such re-
semblance-positiyely uncanny-same
Waiter"
mo. Doctor; | am Miss Maclaire"
Ought to have known tiff knew
as much about faces as do about an
atomy never would make such mis-
takc-very sorry-what fooled me was
seeing you with Keith-thought he
was after the other one-gay dog
though-never satisfed-was hunting
after you"
After me?' evidently amused.
Certainly-you-wen to the room
then to the clerk-said you we're
in at supper-just occurred to me
streets here bad at night-thought I'd
ask you to let me escort you to thea
ter and back-a bit of lunch later"
he glanced suspiciously at Keith
probably got here too late"
We'll. really. you have, Doctor"
she replied sweetly. yelling her eyes
to hide their laughter. But | can as
sure you q is not Mr. Keith" cour-
tesying slightly to the latter, for he
has not honored me: we merely met
by chance at the table. | am sure |
should enjoy your company exceeding
ly. but tonight | must plead a previ-
Gus engagement"
Allah, some other night?"
With pleasure. yes"
The doctor faded away into the Of
fee. not wholly satisfied because Keith
still fingered. Miss Christie extended
her hand.
Isn't he funny man? Bue do like
him-someway | like so many people
whom perhaps | ought not, including
you MI. Jack Keith Please think
over what told you about Mr.. HaW-
ley. won't your
Certainly; you have given me food
for thought ! presume he is to be
your escort?"
She bowed, evidently resenting the
question.
Yes. and 1t may interest you to
know that he has something of the ut
most Importance to tell me tonight
he has actually seen my guardian
Don't you wish you could be there"
She gave him tantalizing smile.
Withdrawing her hand. and running
up the stairs before he could answer
Over the railing Of the landing she
glanced down, ard then disappeared
cTo BE coNTINUED9