The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1912-01-18

exact truth.
Don't you ever do It," he insisted.
1.-THE marshal brought her In here,
and fred = fellow out O the room 20
as to give 1t to her. He'd clean out
this house II we ran In cold deck on
. friend O. his"
What do care for what your
marshal does?"
But he's Bill Hickock, Miss, Wild
Bill"
Miss Maclaire leaned back against
the stair-rail, her eyes turning from
Tommy to her speechless supporters.
Slowly the truth seemed to penetrate
her brain.
"Oh," she gasped at last Then
then what else can you give me-"
The off GERS had long since depart
ed, promising, however, to remain
over In town and hear her again that
night at the Trocadero, with hints a.
to late supper; she had received
call from the manager OF that most
popular resort, and had rendered his
life miserable by numerous demands;
had passed half an hour practicing
with the leader Of the orchestra; but
now was at last alone, tired, decided
ly irritable, and still tempted to in
wade "15," and give that other woman
q piece OF her mind. Then some one
raped on the door. There was 4 de-
cided accent of vexation In the voice
which babe the one outside enter, but
the lady's mood changed swiftly as
her brown eyes perceived standing in
the doorway the erect form of Keith,
the light from the window revealing
clearly his strong face. The man
stood hat in hand, bowling slightly, un-
able to comprehend why he should
have been sent for, yet marvelling
again at the remarkable resemblance
between this woman and that other
whom he had left at Fort Larned. As
Miss Maclaire stood with back toward
the window, she presented the Same
youthful appearance, the same slen-
derness of figure, the same contour Of
face.
Miss Christie Maclaire?" he asked,
as though In doubt
YES" graciously, won instantly BY
the mans appearance and manner.
you wished to see me? Will you be
seated?"
He crossed the narrow room to tho
stiff-backed chair indicated, and the
lady sank negligently down into her
own, resting her head against pill
low, and regarding him expectantly.
He could view her now much more
distinctly, observing the slight differ
ence in age, the fuller lips. the darker
shade of the hair, and the varied ex-
preston of the eyes. 1t was as If
different soul had looked forth from
the same face. He had never before
realized how little, apparently trifing,
details marked the human counter
ance, and, embarrassed by her own
scrutiny. his glance swept about the
room Misunderstanding this shifting
of eyes, Miss Christie sought to place
the man more at ease.
THE room is a perfect fright" she
observed briskly, "but what can one
expect in these mushroom towns.
Really 1 had never been here before,
or l shouldn't have come. They pay
good money though for talent, and
we all have to live, you know. Are
are you in professional work."
He shook his head, smiling, some
what perplexed at his reception.
Really I didn't suppose you were"
she went on you don't look 1t. But
there are so many who come to me
to help them that have grown sus-
picious of every stranger. May l ask
why you desired to see me-"
Another suspicion had taken pos
session of her mind, for the men Of
that section were never backward In
exhibiting admiration, yet somehow
this man did not seem exactly of that
kind
ct came merely because l was sent
for, Miss Maclaire," he replied, his
gray eyes once again upon her face.
Doctor Fairbain gave me your mes
sage; I am Jack Keith"
J. She looked the complete astonish-
ment she felt, sitting up in the chair,
her eyes filed with questioning doubt.
Doctor Fairbain! My message!
Surely you are mistaken? know no
one of that name, and have sent no
message"
You did not express q desire to see
me?"
She laughed, exhibiting . row Il
white teeth.
Certainly not; not until this mo
! ment was / even aware of the exis-
tence of Mr. Jack Keith"
His own eyes smiled In response to
challenge Of hers.
II can assure you the surprise was
mine Also" he fastened to inform her.
now more at ease, as he grasped tho
situation. II could not understand
! how had become known to you, yet
/ pledge you my word the message
! was actually brought. OF course you
may suspicion otherwise, for 1 have
seen you on the stage, and being
normal man, have wished that could
devise some excuse for meeting you"
Indeed" her eyebrows slightly up
HftAA.
Yes, make that confession frank
~, yet this call comes from no such.
desire. had no question when
came, but what l had been sent for
yeu viii believe this?"