Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-07-18
CHAPTER xxx.
BY Force Of Arms.

With her heart throbbing flercely,
Hope chung to the outer door of the
vestibule endeavoring to see little
OF what was transpiring without.
About her was dense darkness, and
sne dare not explore the surroundings.
6enlnd could be heard through what
must have been a thin partition, the
various distractions of the stage,
shifting scenery, music, shutting feet,
voices, and the occasional sound of
applause. The girl had nerved herself
10 the encounter with Hawley, but
tnls 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
round 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-
gulshed the approach of dim figure
without She could not tell who 1t
was, only that it was the unmistakable
form OF man, and that he was whis-
ting softly to himself. 1t 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 IA
miliarly, II thought l was early, and
expected ten minutes wait. l came
out rs soon as you left the stage"
"Oh, can dress in jiffy 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 nature?"
We'll, should say not" drawing
her hand through his arm, and then
patting 1t with his own. Il have seen
about all 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 l
must confess you exhibited some tenn
per when | was late tonight
did | not have occasion to? A
woman should never be kept waiting,
especially if her engagement be i'm
perative.'
'Oh, l am not finding any fault, you
little spit-fre. like you all the bet
ter because you fight. But the trou-
bic was, Christie, you simply jumped
on me without even asking how 1t oc-
CURED. You took 1t for granted was
late on purpose to spite you"
Well. weren't your" and the girl
glanced inquiringly up into his face.
as they passed out of the alley into
the light of the Trocaderos windows.
You certainly acted that way"
mo. did not; but you wouldn't
listen, and besides had no time then
to explain. There's q lot happened
this afternoon l want to toll you
about. VIII you give me time to talk
with your"
why. of course" surprised at tho
question. yet full Of eaEerness. why
should you ask that"
Because 1 want you alone where
no one can overhear q syllable. I'm
afraid Of that damned hotel You
never know who is in the next room,
and the slightest whisper travels from
one end to the other. That is one way
in which Keith got onto our deal-he
had room next to Willoughby and
Scott, and overheard them talking
I'm not going to take any more
chances. Will you go to 'Sheeny
Joe's' with me-"
She drew back from him
Sheeny Joes?' You mean the sa-
loon near the depot?"
Sure; what's the use of being so
squeamish? You sing and dance to
saloon crowd. don't you? Oh, know
you're a good girl. Christie, and all
that. I'm not ranking you with these
fy-by-nights around here. But there's
no reason that can see why you
should shy so at q saloon. Besides,
you won't see any one. Joe has got
some back room where we can be
alone, and have bite to eat while
we're talking. What do you say?"
"Oh. ] would rather not" Hope fall
tered. bewildered by this unexpected
request. already half-tempted to break
away and run. Really II don't
want to go there
Hawley was evidently surprise at
this refusal. naturally supposing from
her life that Miss Maclaire's scruDle>,