The state herald., 1912-02-02

he said gravely. You are totally un-
used to such life. Almost without a
moments warning you nave been
plunged into maelstrom OF adventure
and are all confused II is different
with me-slnce the first shot at Sum.
ter my life has been one of action.
and adventure has grown to be the
stimulus | need, and upon which |
thrive. But | assure you. pressing the
soft hand warmly. "I am real"
"of course | know that; It makes
me glad to know It, II could only
do something myself. and not Just sit
here. It would all become real enough
to me-"
She rose suddenly to her feet. clasp
Ing her hands together. her face
changing with new animation.
why couldn't I? am sure | could
oh. Mr.. Keith. It has Just come to me
how | can help"
He looked at her questlonlngly.
thinking OF her beauty rather than OF
what she said
h "Do-do really appear so much
like-like that woman" she asked
anxiously
Very much. indeed. excepting for
the slight difference in age"
That would never be noticed In the
dark. or a poor light Am the same
height?"
Practically. yes"
And my voice?-could you distin.
guIsh me from her by my voice?"
81 might: yet probably not. unless
my suspicious were aroused What is
It you are thinking about?"
She took n deep breath. standing
now directly facing him In the light.
"Of playing Miss Maclaire tonight. ="
she said quickly. "Of taking her
place. and learning what It is OF so
much Importance Hawley has to re-
port Don't you think It might be
done?"
The sheer audacity OF this unexpect-
ed proposal left him speeches. He
arose to his feet. gripping the back
OF the chair. almost doubling II he
could have heard Alright, his eyes
searching the girls face which was
glowing with excitement. or course he
could not permit of her exposure TO
such a risk: the scheme was imprac.
ticabie absurd But was IT. Did II
not offer a fair chance OF success
And was not the possible result
worthy the risk assumed? He choked
back the earlier words OF protest un.
uttered. puzzled as to what he had
best say A quick.witted resourceful
woman might accomplish all she pro
posed
1T looks so simple" she broke in
impulsively. moving nearer him.
Don't you think could do It? Would
It be unwomanly?"
The result. n accomplished. would
abundantly Justify the means. Hope.
he acknowledged at last Il was not
hesitatlng on that account. but con
sidering the risk you would incur
That would be so small-merely
the short walk alone with him from
the theater TO the hotel" she plead.
ed once here II could make no diff
ference II he did discover my Identity.
for there would be plenty Of men near
at hand to come to my defence oh.
please say yes"
III do. then we must make the II.
lusion perfect. and take ms few
chances OF diAcoyery as possible I
must learn exactly how the other
dresses. and when she leaves the the.
atcr Fortunately for the success OF
your plan the Trocadoro permits no
one but performers to come behind
the scenes, so that llnwley will be
compelled to walt for the lady outside
the stage door had better go nt
once. and sec 10 these details"
Yes" she said. her eyes sparkling
with anticipation. "and ! am 10 glad
you are willing viii be most dis.
erect You are not sorry made tho
proposhl7"
ITO HE coNTiHuEpJ