The Wagner leader. (Wagner, Charles Mix County, S.D.) 1912-1912, 1912-02-02
CHAPTER xxx.
BY Force Of Arms.

With her heart thrObbing dercely,
Hope chung to the outer door Of the
vestibule endeavoring to see a little
of what was transporting without.
About her was dense darkness, and
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 un-
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 ervou fear, startled by every
strange sound. Would the man Eve
come? Surely Christie herself must
be ready to depart by. this time.
Almost prepared to Zee 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 q dim figure
without. She could not tell who 1t
was, only that II was the unmistakAble
form of q man; and that he was whis-
Ting softly to himself. It 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 vas 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
lifteds Instantly she recognized him
" Hawley, her heart leaping with the
excitement u encounter.
why. hullo. Christie" he said IA
miliarly. Il thought I vas early, and
expected . ten minutes wait. l came
out as soon ~ you left the stage"
"Oh, I can dress in q jiny 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?" !.
well, l should say not" drawing
her hand through his arm, and then,
patting 1t with his own. Il have seen.
about all I 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, ana pressing her arm o
closely against his body. Although I
must confess you exhibited some tenn
. when l was late tonight"
did n~t have occasion to? A
woman should never be kept waiting,
especially II her engagement be Inn
perative."
"Oh, / am not finding any fault, you
little spit-fre. like you all the bet
ter because you fight. But the trou-
Bile was, Christie. you simply jumped
on me without even asking how It 90
Cured. You took 1t for granted l was
late on purpose to spite you"
well. weren't your" and the girl
glanced inQ~uirinAly 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, l did not; but you wouldn't
!. listen. and besides l had NO time then
to explain. There's . lot happened
this afternoon l want to toll you
about. VIII you give me time to talk
with your
why. Of course surprised at the
question, yet fun 81 eagerness. ''Why