The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1912-01-19

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
q 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
stealthy silence Of an Indian. There
was no one in the alley-way. which
was narrow and easily explored. but
the glow from the front windows
plainly revealed the shadow of a 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 it's
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.
Gus and his Jaw set, the Doctor rubbed
Aso throat where Keith's knuckles had
left red welt.
Damn yor. | think I'm the one to
ask for an explanation" he growled.
"She said she was not going With you.
and now you are around here together
at this hour. had a right to know
whether | was being played with Ike
that"
But, man, that was not Miss Mac
laire | was with: it was Hope Waite.
Come back here under the tent flap
while | 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 tbs
issues involved. 1t was not difficult to
make Fairbain grasp the meaning OF
this present movement. yet his SYM
pathies were at once enlisted upJn the
side of Miss Christie. He'd be damned
II he would have any part in such
scheme-if she had right to tbe
money he'd help her get tit was
trick. and he'd fight II Lee
to keep her from becoming q
victim. His voice rose, his arms
violently. his sentences
swapping like rife shots. Keith an
gered. and fearful of discovery
which would leave Hope exposed. real
lied the futility of discussion and
turned to physical force. GraspiEg the
gesticulating man with both hands. he
flung him backward and dragged him
into the empty tent. kneeling on him
az he throttled him to the earth.
Now. Doctor, you listen to me-. ne
said sternly I'm through arguing.
hate to treat you like this. for you are
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 good girl. and |
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 all
that Hope and do we are serving you
and Christie-our only fight Is with
Black Bart Hawley. Stop being o
old fool, Fairbain, and
this thing. Lie still. | tell
you, and hear me out! Hawley Is |
liar. thief. and a swindler. There
Is swindle in this thing somewhere
and he hopes to pail out big sum OF
from it. He is merely using
Christie to pull his own chestnuts out
Of the fire. She is innocent: we real-
ze that, but this fellow is going to
ruin the girl unless we succeed In ex-
posing him. He's not only involving
her in his criminal conspiracy. but
he's making love to her; he's teaching
her to love him. That's part OF hi.
scheme, no doubt, for then she will Do
so much easier handled. tell you.
Fairbain. your only chance to epeT
win the interest of Christie Maclairs
9 to help us down this fellow Haw-
ey. Yes. you can sit up; | reckon
'ou're beginning to see clearer, amt
you?"
Sr0 Dr ~o~yrrN-yYrD>