The state herald., 1912-02-16
IL don't think l understand" i"


No, OF course, you don't. You Inn
agine all we've got to do in a matter
of this kind is to step into the near
est court, and draw the money. One
trouble is, our evidence isn't complete
we've got to find that woman who
brought you up
Obi" said Hope. not knowing
what else to say.
YES" he went on. apparently sat
isfed with her exclamation. "Of
course, know she's dead, or at least,
you say SO. but we haven't got enough
proof without her-not the way old
Waite promises to fight your claim
and SO we've got to hunt for a substi-
tute. Do you happen to know any old
woman about the right age who would
make affidavit for you? She probably
wouldn't have to go on the stand at
all. Waite will cave in as soon as ho
knows we've got the evidence"
He waited for an answer. but she
hardly knew what to say. Then she re-
membered that Keith insisted that
Miss Maclaire had no conception that
there was any fraud in her claim.
No, know no one. But what do
you mean? thought everything was
straight? That there was no question
about my right to inherit?"
We'll, there isn't. Christie" pulling
fiercely on his cigar. But the courts
are particular: they have got to have
the whole thing in black and white. |
thought all along could settle the en-
tire matter with Waite outside. but
the old fool won't listen to reason. |
saw him twice today"
"Twice?" Surprise wrung the word
from her.
Yes; thought had got him OF on
false scent and out OF the way. the
first time. but he turned up again like
n bad penny. What's worse, he's evi.
IDENTIFY stumbled on to a bit of legal
information which makes It safer for
us to disappear until we can get the
links OF our chain forged. He's taken
the case into court already. and the
sheriff is here tryin to find me so as
TO serve the papers. I've got to skip
out. and so've you"
''l?'' rising to her feet. Indignantly.
What have | done to be frightened
over?"
He laughed, but not pleasantly
''oh. hell. Christie. can't you under
stand? Old Waite is after you the
same way he is mo It'll knock our
whole case II he can get you into
court before our evidence is ready.
All you know is what | have told you
that's straight enough-but we've
\ got to have proof. can get II in n
month. but he's got hold of something
which gives him a leverage. don't
know what It is-maybe it's Just a
bluff-but the charge is conspiracy.
and he's got warrants out There is
nothing for us to do but skip"
But my clothes: my engagement"
she urged. feeling the insistent earn.
estness OF the man. and sparring for
delay. why. ! cannot go. Besides,
II the sheriff is hunting US. the trains
will be watched"
do you suppose | am fool enough
to risk the trains7" he exclaimed.
roughly. plainly losing patience, Not
much: horses and the open plains for
us. and n good night the start OF them.
They will search for mo first. and
you'll never be missed until you iail
to show up at the Troadero. Never
mind tho clothes: they can be sen,
after us
Tonight" sho cried. awakening TO
the immediate danger, and rising to
her feet You urge me to ny with
you to.night7-nowg"
Sure. don't be foolish and kick mp
n row. The horses are here waiting
Just around the end OF the rayine."
She pressed her hands 10 her breast
shrinking away from him.
mol MOI will not gol" she dc
elarod. Indignantly. Keep baekl
Don't touch mel"
Hawicy must have expected tho TO.
siatanee. for with single moyemon,
he graHpod her even as she turned TO
ny. pinning her arms holplessly TO hor
side. holding her Rs IN wise
"oh. but you will. my beauty he
growled. ~ thought you might net
up and I'm ready. DO you think | am
fool enough TO leave you here alone TO
be pumped dry1 Il II n big stake I'm
playing after girl. and ! am not going
to lose Il through the whims OF a
woman. II you won't 40 pleasantly.
then you'li 40 by force. Keep still.
you ugroaal DO you want mo 10 choke
/ your"
She struggled TO break loose. twist.
inE and turning. but tho effort was
useless. Suddenly he whlstled sharp.
ly. There was tho sound Of feet
ncrAmbling down tho path. and tho
frightened woman perceived tho dim
outlines OF several approaching mon.
She gave one scream. and ilnw
10y released hia grip on her arms to
grasp her throat
shc joraed away. haif-atumbling
backward over n rock Tho revolver.
carried concealed In her drpan, waH In