The Big Sandy news., 1912-03-29

be true, and yet Keith grasped at II
desperately, cursing himself for hay
ing wasted time. Five minutes later
breathless, almost speechless witt
anxiety, he startled the clerk.
HAS Miss Waite come in? Miss
Hope Waiter"
Blamed If know" retorted the
other, indifferently. Cant for the
life OF me tell those two females apart
One of them passed through bout ten
minutes ago; Doc Fairbain was with
her Another party just went up
stairs hunting Miss Maclaire. and as
they haven't come down, reckon II
must have been her-anything
wrong?"
I'm not sure yet" shortly. who
was this other person."
"Old fellow with white hair and
whiskers-swore like a pirate--had
the sheriff along with him"
It came to Keith in fiash-it was
Waite. Perhaps Christie knew. Per
haps the General knew. Certainly
something of Importance was crystal
lizing in the actress room which
might help to explain all else. He
rushed up the stairs, barely waiting to
rap once at the closed door before he
pressed It open. The sight within
held him silent, waiting opportunity
to blurt out his news. Here, also,
was tragedy. intense, compelling,
which for the instant seemed to even
oyershadow the fate of the girl he
loved There were three men pres
ent, and the woman She stood clutch
ing the back of chair, whitefaced
and open-eyed. with Fairbain slightly
behind her, one hand grasping her
arm, the other clinched. his jaw set
pugnaciously. Facing these two was
Waite, and heavily built man wear
ing brown beard, closely trimmed.
You'd better acknowledge IT,"
Waite snapped out, with a quick
glance at the newcomer TT will make
1t all the easier for you. tell you
this is the sheriff. and we've got you
both dead to rights"
'Bub' she urged, why should be
arrested? have done nothing"
You're an adventuress-a damn
adveaturess-Hawley's mistress, prob
ably-a--"
Now, see here, Waite" and Fair
balm swung himself forward, you
drop that Miss Maclaire is my friend.
and If you say another word I'll smash
you. sheriff or no sheriff"
Waite glared at him.
You old fool" he snorted, what
have you got to do with this?"
I've got this to do with, you'll find
-the woman is to be treated with re
spect or I'll blow your damned OBJ
stinate head off,
The sheriff laid his hand on Waite's
shoulder.
Come" he said, firmly, this is no
way to get at It, We want to know
certain facts, and then we can pro
ceed lawfully. Let me question the
The two older men still faced one
another belligerently. but Keith saw
Christie draw the doctor back from
between her and the sheriff.
You may ask me anything you
please" she announced, quietly. "a
I'm sure these gentlemen will not fight
n my room
Very well, Miss Maelaire. 1t win
'equire only moment. How long |
laye you known this man Hawley?"
Merely few days-since | arrived |
n Sheridan"
But you We're in communication
With him before that?"
The pleasant voice and quiet de-
neanor of the sheriff seemed to yield
he girl confidence and courage
Yes, he had written me two or
hree letters" .-- |
You met him here then by appoint.
lent?"
He was TO come to Sheridan, and
xplain TO me more fully what his let.
srs had only hinted at"
You possessed no previous knowl-
1ge Of his purpose?"
only the barest outline-details
ere given me later" II
viii you tell us briefly exactly
hat Hawley told you?"
The girls bewildered eyes wandered
ON face to face, then returned to
Ie waiting sheriff.
"May-may sit down." she asked.
Most certainly; and don't be afraid,