Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1912-07-25

would be safer to confer with me
personal---very. imagine there Is a
large sum involved"
From whose estate?"
MY grandfather's."
And his name wasY'
"Why-why. Mr. Keith. actually I
do not know. 1t may seem strange.
but-but | cannot even tell the names
Of my parents; l cannot remember
either my father or mother. Oh. | do
not know why I should tell you all
thisl Who are you. really? Why do
you ask me such questions?"
He leaned forward, touched by the
woman's emotion.
Miss Maclaire." he said graveIy. Il
am not prying into your life needless.
ly, but am endeavoring to serve you
as well as others. Hawley may IN
deed possess papers Of great value,
but if so they we're not found by &C
cident, but stolen from the body of a
murdered man. These papers may
possibly refer to you. but II so Haw.
ley himself does not believe the
has simply chosen you 10 impersonats
the right party because of your phys
ical resemblance
Resemblance to YkA ?"
TO a young woman. Miss Hope"
But how do you know this? Why
should you be interested? Arc you
deteotive7''
No, l am Est a detective, but ,
cannot explain to you my interest. \
am trying to serve you, to keep you
from being drawn into plot"
Rather to keen 'Ae from learning
the truth. Mr.. Jao% '-ci-h," she burst
forth = ~, 70 r. 80 - --.-nt1v
You are hero trying 10 prejudice me
against Mr.. Hawley. He IS your enc
my, and you have come to me stab
bling him in the back for revenge.
That is your interest. Well, am go
Ing to see the man, and consider what
he has to say. I don't care half so
much about the money as do to find
out who I am. II he can throw any
light on my early life. on my parent
age, I shall be the happiest woman
In the world. l am sorry told you
anything-but l am going to see him
Just the same. Perhaps he might tell
me something about you"
They were both standing, the wom-
ans eyes flashing angrily, defiantly,
her hands clinched. Keith. realizing
the false position into which he had
drifted, hesitated to answer He
meant to tell her the whole story. and
urge her to cooperate with him in
learning the gamblers purpose. The
woman impressed him as honest al
hnarf IN or l,
ment; she was not one whom a swirl
dler could easily dupe into becoming
a tool
Miss Maclaire." he began, de-
termined on his course. listen to mo
for just moment. l am"
There was a rap at the door. The
eyes of both turned that way, and
then Keith backed slowly into tho
darkened corner beyond the window,
his right hand thrust into the pocket
of his coat Miss Maclaire observed
the movement. her lips smiling, a red
flush on either cheek Then she
stepped across the room, and opened
the door. Framed against the black
background Of the hall, his dark, rath-
er handsome face clearly revealed as
he fronted the window, his black, au-
dacious eyes fixed appreciatingly upon
| the lady, stood BLACK Bart" Hawley.
/ He saw no one but her, realized no
| Other presence, had no thought except
20 make a good impression. He was
facing a beautiful woman, whom he
sought to use, and he bowed low, hat
IN hand.
Miss Maclaire," he said. pleasantly,
81 trust you will pardon all that has
occurred between US, and permit me
to explain"
Il do not understand" she re
piled, puzzled by these unexpected
words. There has nothing occurred
between us, am sure, which requires
explanation. Have we met before?"
The man smiled Seeing the wom-
ans face in the shadows he was still
convinced she was the same he had
last parted with on the Salt Fork.
However. If she preferred to ignore all
that, and begin their relations anew, 1t
was greatly to his liking. II gave him
insight into her character, and fresh
confidence that he could gain her as
sistance. Anyhow, he was ready
enough to play her game.
Let us assume not" just the slight
est trace of moekery in the tone. and
begin anew. AT least. you will confess
the receipt Of my letters-I am Bare
lett Hawley."
| She cast a half-frightened glance to
ward Keith, and the man, following
the direction of her eyes. perceived
the presence of the other His right
leg went backward, his hand dropping
to the belt, his form stifening erect
! Keith's voice, low but clear in the
| silence, seemed to cut the air.
Not a motion, Hawley! l have you
covered"
! oh, gentlemen, please donti"
Have no fear. Miss Maclaire; this
man and l will settle our difference
elsewhere, and not in your presence"
He stepped forth into the middle of
the room. revolver drawn. but held
low at the hip, his watchful eyea
never deserving the gamblers face.
Back up against the wall. Hawley,"