The state herald., 1912-01-26

cred SICK In Independence, and who
died in his rooms three years ago.
Mr.. Hawley has been searching ever
since for the old mans granddaughter.
1t is remarkable how he was finally
convinced that was the one"
"A photograph. was 1t not?"
CLEAN of sudden suspicion ap-
peared in the brown eyes. a slight
change In facial expression.
That was a clue yes. but far from
being all. But why should | tell you
this?-you believe nothing | say"
81 believe that you believe; that
you are fully convinced of the justice
of your claim. Perhaps It is Just, but
am suspicious of anything which
Bart Hawley has hand in Miss
Christie, you really make me wish to
retain your friendship. but cannot
do 80 II the cost includes faith in
Hawley. Do you know that is not
even his name-that he lives under an
alias?"
rs there anything strange In that
out here?" she asked stoutly. Il told
you how deeply he regretted his life:
that alone would be suflc lcient cause
for him to drop his family name. Did
you ever learn his true manner"
He was not sure-only as Neb had
reported what Waite had called the
man. yet ventured direct reply.
Bartlett, believe-he uses II now
as a prefix"
"Bartlett!-Bartlett!" her hands
clasping. and unclasping nervously
Why. what a strange coincidence!"
How? What do you mean?"
"Oh. nothing-nothing." biting her
lips In vexation. THE name merely
recalled something. But really. must
go. Mr.. Keith. or shall be late at the
theater. You have no, attended since
| Gamer"
NO." arising from the table with
her. However. have heard you
sing before. and hope may again"
How tenderly you dwell on that
word hope" she said banteringly. 1T
almost makes me envious."
Your resemblance almost makes
me forget"
But not quite"
mo. not quite" he confessed
smiling back into her quizzing eyes.
They went out into the hall togeth
er. only to meet with Doctor Falrbain
at the door. The latter stared at the
two with some embarrassment. for a
moment forgetful OF his purpose His
gaze settled on the face OF the lady.
Always getting you two mixed" he
blurted forth. Never saw such re-
semblance-positively uncanny-same
hotel too means trouble-this Miss
Waiter"
mo. Doctor: | am Miss Maclaire."
Ought to have known it-if knew
as much about faces rs | do about an.
ntomy never would make such mis-.
take-very sorry-what fooled me was
seeing you with Keith-thought be
was after the other one-gay dog
though-never satisfed-was hunting
after you"
After me." evidently amused.
"Certainly-you-wen TO the room
then to the clerk-snid you were
In at supper-just occurred to me
streets hero bad at night-thought I'd
ask you TO let me escort you TO thea
ter and back-a bit OF lunch later"
he glanced suspiciously at Keith
probably got here too late"
We'll. really. you have. Doctor"
she replied swectly. yelling her eyes
to hide their laughter. But | can as
sure you II is not Mr.. Keith" cour
tesyins slightly to the latter. for he
has not honored me: We merely met
by chance at tho table. I am sure
should enjoy your company exceeding
iy. but tonight I must plead a preyi
Gus engagement"
"Ah-ah. some other nightl"
with pleasure. yes"
Tho doctor faded away into tho Of
nee. not wholly satisfied because Keith
sull fingered. Miss Christie extended
her hand.
Isn't hc a funny man' Hut do like
him-someway like no many people
whom perhaps ! ought not. including
you. Mr.. Jack Keith. Please think
over what ! told you about Mr.. Haw.
ley. won't your
Certainly: you have given mo food
for thought ! presume ho Ia TO be
your eacortf"
She bowed. evidently rcscnting the
question.
'Yos. and II may interest you 10
know that he has something Of tho Ut
most Importance TO tell mo tonight
he has actually seen my guardian.
Don't you wish you could bo thcfcf-
She gave him n ,antaliEiug smile.
Withdrawing her hand. and running
up the stairs before he could answer.
Over the railing OF tho landing rne
glanced down. and then disappeared.
CTo ne coSTiNuEpJ
AL. yyafsh