The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1912-01-25

You are here trying to prejudice me
against Mr.. Hawley. He is your enc
my, and you have come to me stab
bling him in the back for revenge.
That is your interest. Well, am go
ing to see the man, and consider what
he has to say. l don't care half so
much about the money as l do to find
out who i am. II he can throw any
light on my early life, on my parent
age l shall be the happiest woman
in the world. I am sorry / told you
anything-but l am going to see him
Just the same. Perhaps he might tell
me something about You"
They were both standing, the WON
ans eyes flashing angrily, denantly.
her hands clinched. Keith, realizing
the false position into which he had
drifted, hesitated to answer. He
meant to tell her the whole story, and
urge her to cooperate with him in
learning the gamblers purpose. The
woman impressed him as honest at
heart, in spite of her life and environ
ment; she was not one whom a swim
dler could easily dupe into becoming
a tool.
Miss Maclaire,' he began, de-
termined on his course, listen to me
for just moment. l am
There was q rap at the door. The
eyes of both turned that way, and
then Keith backed slowly into the
darkened corner beyond the window,
his right hand thrust into the pocket
of his coat Miss Maclaire observed
the movement, her lips smiling, red
flush on either cheek Then she
stepped across the room, and opened
the door. Framed against the black
background of the hall, his dark, rath
er handsome face clearly revealed as
he fronted the window, his black, au.
dacious eyes fixed appreciatingly upon
the lady, stood BLACK Bart" Hawley.
He saw no one but her, realized nc
other presence, had no thought except
to make a good impression. He was
facing a beautiful woman, whom. he
sought to use, and he bowed low, hat
in hand.
"Miss Maclaire," he said, pleasantly,
81 trust you will pardon all that has
occurred between us, and permit me
to explain"
IL do not understand" she re-
piled, puzzled by these unexpected
words. There has nothing occurred
between us, l am sure, which requires
explanation. Have we met before?"
The man smiled. Seeing the WON
convinced she was the same he had
last parted with on the Salt Fork.
However, if she preferred to ignore all
that, and begin their relations anew, it
was greatly to his liking. 1t gave him
insight into her character, and fresh
confidence that he could gain her as.
sistance. Anyhow, he was ready
enough to play her game.
Let us assume not" just the slight
est trace of mockery in the tone, land
begin anew. At least, you will confess
the receipt of my letters-I am Bart
lett Hawley."
She cast half-frightened glance to
ward Keith, and the man, following
the direction of her eyes, perceived
the presence of the other. His right
leg went backward, his hand dropping
to the belt, his form stiffening erect
Keith's voice, low but clear in the
silence, seemed to cut the air.
mot motion, Hawley! have you
covered"
"Oh, gentlemen, please don't!"
Have no fear, Miss Maclaire; this
man and l will settle our difference
elsewhere, and not in your presence"
He stepped forth into the middle OF
the room, revolver drawn, but held
low at the hip, his watchful eyes
never deserving the gamblers face.
Back up against the wall, Hawley,"
he commanded. II hardly need to tell
you how shoot, for we, at least, have
met before Now, I'm going out, and
leave you to your interview with Miss
Maclaire, and I wish you happiness
and success"
He moved across to the opening
keeping his face toward his adver.
sary; then backed out slowly, closed
the door with a snap, and sprane
aside to avoid any possibility of a bull
let crashing after him. No sound Of
movement from within reached his
ears, however, and he walked silently
to the head Of the stairs.