The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-04-19
CHAPTER xxv.
A Reappearance of the General.

A Reappearance of the General.
 Keith did not inform Hope of her brothers death until the following morning, but had the body properly prepared for burial, and devoted the remainder of the night to searching for General Waite, and, incidentally. for both Hawley and Scott Both Hickock and Fairbain assisted in this effoFt to learn the whereabouts of the dead boy's father, but without the slightest result, nor did Keith's fnves- Hgations reveal the gambler at any of his accustomed resorts, while Scott had apparently made complete get away. These disappearances merely served to convince him as to the truth of his first suspicious; Scott might have departed for good, but Hawley would certainly reappear Just as soon as assured his name had not been mentioned in connection with the tragedy. To Neb alone did the plains man candidly confide his belief in the guilt of these two. and when other duties called him elsewhere, he left the negro securing the town for any possible reappearance of either.
 Heavy-eyed from lack of sleep, heavy-hearted with his message, yet fully decided as to what advice he should offer, Keith returned to the hotel, and requested an interview with Hope Although still comparatively early, some premonition of evil had awakened the girl, and in very few moments she was prepared to receive her visitor. A questioning glance into his face was sufficient to assure her of unpleasant news, but, with one quick breath, she grasped his arm as though his very presence afforded her strength.
 How tired you lookl Something has occurred to keep you out all night mo bad news. Don't be afraid to tell me; I can bear anything better than suspense Is it about father?"
 'No. Hope,' and he took her hand, and led her to chair. Bending above her he gave her the whole story of the night, and she scarcely interrupted with question, sitting there dry-eyed. with only an occasional sob shaking her slender form. As he ended, she looked up into his face, and now he could see a mist of unshed tears in her eyes.
 What shall do, Captain Keith? I am all alone with this. except for you"
 'I have considered that, Hope" he answered, gravely, land 1t seems to me your present duty Is more to the living than the dead You should re- main here until we learn something definite regarding your father, and discover the truth of this conspiracy formed against him. If Fred could know the trouble his chance words have caused, he would wish you to do this. With him gone, we are going to find the unravelling harder than ever. It is my Judgment. Hope, your broth CT should be buried here"
 She shuddered, her hands pressed to her eyes.
 "Oh,, on that horrible Boots Hill?'"
 "Only temporarily, little girl" his voice full of deepest sympathy. Tn a few weeks, perhaps. it could be re- moved East"
 She was silent for what seemed to him long while; then she looked up into his face, clinging to his arm. ' Yes" she said. that will be best.-
 That same afternoon, the sun low in the west, they placed the dead boy in his shallow grave on Boots Hill" It was a strange funeral, in a strange environment-all about the barren, de- serted plains; far away to the east and west, the darker line marking the railroad grade, and just below. nestled close in against the foot of the hill the squaltd town of tents and shacks. There were not many to stand beside the open grave, for few in Sheridan knew the lad, and funerals were not uncommon-some cronies, half-drunk and maudlin, awed somewhat by the presence of the marshal, Doctor Fair. bain, Keith and Hope. That was all excepting the post chaplain from Fort Hays, who, inspiried by glimpse of the girls unveiled face, spoke simple words of comfort. It was all over with quickly, and with the red sun still lingering on the horizon, the little party slowly wended their way back, down the steep trail into the one long street of Sheridan.
 At the hotel Neb was waiting, the whites of his eyes shining with eI cdtement, his patomime indicating inn portant news. AS soon as he could leave Hope, Keith hurried down to interview his dusky satellite, who ap- peared about to burst with restrained As soon as uncorked that individual began to flow volubly:
 "T sho done seed 'em, Massa JackI I done seed 'em both"
 Both? Both who?"
 "Massa Waite. sah. an dat black debble dat we was huntin' for. It was a mos surprisin' circumstances. sah-a mos surprisin' circumstance"
 Well, go on; where did you see