River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-01-11

before Hawley's probable appearance.
for he would leave the theater at the
conclusion of Miss Maclaire's act, re-
strained all demonstration. This was
a moment for action, not for words of
love; no delay should hazard the sue
cess of their undertaking. He heard
the slight creak of the door as the
girl slipped within the concealment
of the vestibule, and then he glided
away through the darkness with the
stcalthy silence of an Indian. There
was no one in the alleyway. which
was narrow and easily explored. but
the glow from the front windows
plainly revealed the shadow of man
near the entrance, and Keith slipped
up toward him. hugging the side OF
the building for concealment, prepared
to resort to harsh measures. AS he
reached out, gripping the astonished
loiterer by the collar. they stared at
one another in surprise. and the grip
ping hand as instantly released its
hold
You, Fairbain! What the devil does
this mean? What are you spying on
us for?"
Clearly taken aback. yet not greatly
disturbed, his eyes showing pugnaci-
sus and his jAN set. the Doctor rubbed
RS throat where Keith's knuckles had
left a red welt.
Damn you, tniak I'm the one to
ask for an explanation" he growled.
"She said she was not going with you.
and now you are around hare together
at this hour had right to know
whether was being played with like
that"
But, man. that was not Miss Mac
laire | was with; it was Hope Waite.
Come back here under the tent flap
while l explain"
Fearful of the coming of Hawley
he fairly dragged the portly figure OF
the bewildered Doctor with aim.
striving, by quickly spoken words. TO
make him comprehend the situation.
Knowing previously something of t1s
issues involved. it was not difficult TO
make Fairbain grasp the meanlpS OF
this present movement, yet his sym
pathies were at once enlisted upsJn tue
side of Miss Christie. He'd be dalnAed
if he would have any part In sucn
scheme-if she had right to .ne
money he'd help her get tit was 4
cowardly trick, and he'd fight II Eec-
essary, to keep her from becoming q
victim. His voice rose. his arms
brandishing violently. his sentences
swapping like rifle shots. Keith an
gered, and fearful of a discovery
which would leave Hope exposed. real
| lied the futility of discussion ana
turned to physical force. Grasping the
gesticulating man with both hands. ne
| flung him backward and dragged MIN
into the empty tent. kneeling on nlm
as he throttled him to the earth.
Nov. Doctor, you listen to me. De
said sternly Pm through arguing.
| hate to treat you like this, for you arc
my friend, but I'll not stand for inter
ference here. Do you get that, you
old fool? Lie still until ! get through!
respect your feelings toward Miss
Maclaire She is a good girl. ana
hope to heaven you get her II you
want her. But you never will II you
permit this affair to go on Yes.
know what am talking about In al
that Hope and do we are serving you
and Christie-our only fight is Wlth
Black Bart Hawley. Stop being
bullet-headed old fool. Fairba1n. ano
understand this thing. Lie still. l tell
you. and hear me out! Hawley Is q
liar. a thief, and a swindler. There
is a swindle in this thing somewhere
| and he hopes to pail out big sum oil
money from it. He is merely using
Christie to pull his own chestnuts ou'
of the fire. She is innocent; we rear
ize that, but this fellow is going ia
ruin the girl unless. we succeed in ex'
posing him He's not only involving
her in his criminal conspiracy. ou'
he's making love to her; he's teaching
her to love him That's part OF hi7
scheme, no doubt, for then she will bs
so much easier handled. tell you
Fairbain, your only chance to eFei
win the interest of Christie Maclaire
| is to help us down this fellow Haw'
ley. Yes. you can sit up; reckon
you're beginning to see clearer, amt
your"
CTo BE CONTINUED.)