Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1912-07-12
CHAPTER x.-(continued.)

"a murder! Did you imagine he
came this way?"
Not very likely; fact of 1t is, the
sand storm yesterday destroyed all
traces, and, as a result, we've lost
him. So [ headed a few of the boys
over in this direction, as l wanted to
relieve you of anxiety"
She was silent an instant, and the
man crossed to the fireplace, where
Keith could gain glimpse of him.
Already suspicious from the familiar
sound of his voice, he was not sur
prised to recognize "Black Bart" The
plainsman's fingers gripped the negro's
arm, his eyes burning. So this gambler
and blacllleg was the gentlemanly Mr..
Hawley, was he; well, what could be
his little game? Why had he inveigled
the girl into this lonely spot? And
what did he now propose doing with
her? AS he crouched there, peering
through that convenient crack in the
door, Keith completely forgot his own
peril, intent only upon this new dis
coVery. She came slowly around the
against it, her face clearly revealed
In the light of the lamp. For the first
time Keith really perceived its beauty,
its fresh charm. Could such as she
be singer and dancer in a frontier con-
cert hall? And if so, what strange
conditions ever drove her into that
sort of life?
Isis Fred with your" she Ques-
tioned, doubtfully.
NO; he's with another party riding
farther west" the mans eyes survey
dng her with manifest approval. you
are certainly looking fine tonight, my
girl. It's difficult to understand how
ever managed to keep away from
you so long"
She flushed to the hair, her lips
trembling at the open boldness Of his
tone
IL prefer you would not speak
like that" she protested.
And why not?" with a light laugh
Come, Christie, such fine airs are a
tribe out of place. If | didn't know
you we're a concert hall artist, l might
be more deeply impressed. AS 1t is,
reckon you've heard love words be-
fore now"
Mi Hawley, have trusted you as
gentleman. never came here ex-
cept on your promise to bring me to
my brother" and she stood erect be-
fore him. You have no right to even
assume that | am Christie Maclaire. "
Sure not: | don't assume. | have
seen that lady too often to be mis-
taken. Don't try on that sort of thing
with mel don't take to it kindly.
Perhaps kiss might put you in bet
ter humor"
He took a step forward, as though
proposing to carry out his threat, but
the girl stopped him, her eyes burn
ing with indignation.
How dare you!" she exclaimed pas
sionately, all fear leaving her in sud
den resentment. you think me alone
here and helpless; that you can insult
me at your pleasure. Don't go toe
far, Mr.. Hawley, | know what yor
are now, and it makes no difference
what you may think of me, or call me;
you'll find me perfectly able to defend
myself"
oh, indeed" sneeringly, you are
melodramatic; you should have beer
an actress instead of singer. Blu
you waste your talent out here on me
Do you imagine | fear either you, o.
your precious brother? Why. | coult
have him hung tomorrow
She was staring at him with wild
open eyes, her face white.
"What-what do you mean? Wha
has Fred done?"
He was cold and sarcastic.
THAT makes no difference; 1t /
what | could induce men to swea
he had done. It's easy enough t
convict in this country. If you onl
know how, simply tell you this, S
you won't press me too hard. Pur
tanism is out of place west of the Mis-
souri,, especially among ladies of you
profession. Oh, come, now, Christie
don't try to put such airs on with M
\ know who you are, all right, an
can guess why you are hunting afte
Fred Willoughby. pumped the bo
and got most Of the truth out of him
"You--you have seen him. the
since you left me-" she faltered. b