Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1912-11-15
CHAPTER xxx.
BY Force of Arms.

| WIN ner neart thrODDlng 1ercely,
Hope chung to the outer door of the
vestibule endeavoring to see little
OF what was transpiring without.
About her was dense darkness, and
she dare not explore the surroundings.
Behind 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
to the encounter with Hawley, but
| this waiting here in darkness and I'M
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
found 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-
| guished the approach of a dim figure
without. She could not tell who 1t
was, only that it was the unmistakable
form of man, and that he was whis-
thing 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, Il thought was early, and
expected ten minutes wait. came
out as soon as you left the stage"
"Oh, can dress in a fifty 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. II have seen
about all l 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.
mot the slightest DANGER" laughing
lightly. and pressing her arm more
closely against his body Although
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, am not finding any fault, you
little spit-fire. like you all the bet.
ter because you fight But the trou.
BILE was, Christie. you simply jumped
on me without even asking how 1t &C.
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 Trocadero's windows
You certainly acted that way"
mo. | did not; but you wouldn't
listen, and besides had no time then
to explain. There's a lot happened
this afternoon | want to tell you
about. VIII you give me time to talk
with your"
why, of course" surprised at the
question, yet full of eagerness. why
should you ask that?"
Because want you alone where
no one can overhear syllable. I'm
afraid of that damned hotel. Yor
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-ht
had a room next to Willoughby anc
Scott, and overheard them talking
III not SOlnS W lame any uOFt
chances. VIII you go to Sheen.
Joe's' with me?"
She drew back from him.
"'Sheeny Joe's? You mean the sa
loon near the depot?"
, Sure; what's the use of being 81
; squeamish? You sing and dance to
t saloon crowd, don't you? Oh. know
you're a good girl. Christie, and al
. that. I'm not ranking you with thes,
; hy-by-nights around here. But there
| no reason that can see why you
t should shy SO at saloon. Besides
, you won't see any one. Joe has go
} some back room where we can b,
alone, and have a bite to eat Will,