The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1912-03-22

| 1901 iouJ mover iooheu 60 CHARMING.
"A compliment, and spoken as
though you really meant It"
Have not been honest enough
with you in the past to be credited
with honesty now?" he protested, lit
tie hurt by the bantering tone.
of course you have; merely talk
lightly to keep N, courage up You
can have no idea how afraid am
| Then you are truly an actress. for
you appear the picture of enjoyment
| But we must go, or Hawley will be
there before us, and thus spoil all our
| plans"
They passed out through the office
together, seeing no one familiar to
either, Hope keeping her face par
tally concealed The east side of the
street was less frequented than the
other, having fewer saloons along its
way, and they chose its darkness. AS
they advanced, the long habit of from
tier life caused Keith to glance be-
mind before they had progressed a
block, and he was thus made aware
that they were being followed. Con-
verstng lightly, and without a word
to alarm the girl, he managed to OBJ
serve every movement of the dimly
outlined figure which advanced with
them, timing every motion to theirs,
Long before they crossed the street
to the Trocadero he was convinced
there was no mistake-the fellow,
WhOaVar mi oh he
them. Keith smiled grimly to himself,
resolving that as soon as he had left
the lady he would teach the spy les
son not soon to be forgotten.
They barely entered the outer circle
OF the Trocadero lights, noting group
OF men thronging about the doors, and
hearing the sound OF the band within,
and then turned swiftly down the mar
row dark alleyway leading toward the
stage entrance. Keith, having been
there before, advanced confidently, but
Hope, her heart beating wildly, chung
TO his arm, scarcely venturing word
In reply TO his whispered assurances.
Fortunately they encountered no one,
and Keith. feeling cautiously in the
dark, easily succeeded In locating the
opening to the vestibule. Listening
intently he became convinced that no
one occupied the little shed. He had
intended to remain with the girl until
the time came for her to emerge, but
the remembrance that figure logging
them all the way from the hotel now
caused a change of plan, He held
her hand closely clasped in his.
Now, Hope, am going to leave
you" he whispered. and your own
wit will have to carry you through. |
KNOW you will play your part all right, |
and 1t will be mine to wait for Chris |
tie, and give her some explanation OF |
why Hawley failed to meet her as he
promised. 1t will never do for her to
suspect, until you have time to learn
all possible. You are not afraid?"
Yes, am" clinging to him, but
but | am going through 1t just the
same"
The truest kind of courage, my
girl. Now slip inside, but hold the
door ajar. Hawley will certainly be
here within ten minutes, and you must
,oln him at once, or else the other
might appear. You can Judge as to
Its being him even in this darkness
Goodbye"
The longing to clasp her in his
arms, to speak the language of his
heart was almost overwhelming. yet
The memory OF that figurtO linking
llong behind them, and the brief time
lelore nawiey-s probable appearance,
or he would leave the theater at the H.
of Miss Maclaire's act, re-
trained all demonstration This was
! moment for action, not for words OF
owe; no delay should hazard the sue.
ess, of their undertaking He heard
he slight creak of the door as the
,irl slipped within the concealment I
# the yestibuleI and then he, glided
way through the darkness with the
tealthy silence of an Indian There /,
vas no one in the alley.way, which
vas narrow and easily explored, but
he glow from the front windows ,
lainiy revealed the shadow of man :
ear the entrance, and Keith slipped i
p toward him. hugging the side of '
he building for concealment, prepared
, resort to harsh measures. AS he
cached out, gripping the astonished A
,iterer by the collar, they stared at h
ne another in surprise, and the grip h
Ing hand as instantly released Its Y
old. ]
You, Fairbainl What the devil does e
lis mean? What are you spying on G.
3 for?" nj
Clearly taken aback, yet not greatly y
sturbed, his eyes showing pugnaci- Al
is and his jaw set, the Doctor rubbed
S throat where Kelth's knuckles had b,
# red welt. b,
DAMN you, | think I'm the one to
TX for an explanation he growled. Ia
'he said she was not going with you,
I'D now you are around here together II
this hour. had right 10 know 81
neither was being played with like
at" n,
But, man, that was not Miss Mac W
ire was with; 1t was Hope Waite, g
'me back here under the tent tiap W
bile ! explain" W
Fearful OF the coming of Hawley
fairly dragged the portly figure of nc