The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1912-04-12
CHAPTER xxx.
BY Force of Arms.

| With her heart thrObblng nercely
Hope chung to the outer door of the
vestibule endeavoring to see little
of what was transporting without.
| About her was dense darkness. and
she dare not explore the surroundings.
Behind could be heard, through what
must have been thin partition, the
various distractions of the stage.
shifting scenery, music, shutting feet,
voices, and the occasional sound OF
applause. The girl had nerved herself
to the encounter with Hawley, but
this waiting here in darkness and I'M
certainty tried her to the uttermost.
| If some one should venture out that
| way how could she excuse her pres
ence or explain her purpose? She
found herself trembling in every limb
from nervous fear, startled by every
strange sound. Would the man never
come? Surely Christie herself must
be ready to depart by this time.
Almost prepared to fee before the
terrors thus conjured up within her
mind they left her as if by magic the
moment her straining eyes distin-
guished the approach of dim figure
without She could not tell who 1t
was, only that 1t was the unmistakable
form of man, and that he was whis-
Ting softly to himself. 1t might not
prove to be the gambler. but she must
accept the chance, for flesh and blood
could stand the strain of waiting no
longer. Yet she was not conscious OF
fear, only Of exultation, as she stepped
forth into the open, her blood again
circulating freely in her veins. At
the slight creak of the door the man
saw her. his whistle ceasing, his hat
lifted. Instantly she recognized him
as Hawley, her heart leaping with the
excitement of encounter.
why. hullo, Christie" he said ia
military, 81 thought | was early, and
expected a ten minutes wait came
out as soon as you left the stage"
"Oh, can dress in a jiffy when
there is any cause for hurry" Hope
responded, permitting herself to drift
under his guidance. Are you disap-
pointed? Would you prefer to com.
mune with nature?"
We'll, | should say not" drawing
her hand through his arm, and then
patting it with his own. 81 have seen
about all | care to of nature. but not
Of Christie Maclaire."
You may learn to feel the same
regarding her.. Hope answered, afraid
to encourage the man, yet eagerly
fearful lest she fail to play her part
Alright.
Not the slightest danger" laughing
lightly, and pressing her arm more
closely against his body. Although |
must confess you exhibited some tenn
per when | was late tonight"
did | not have occasion to? A
woman should never be kept waiting,
especially If her engagement be i'm
perative."
"Oh, am not finding any fault, you
little spit-fire. | like you all the bet
ter because you fight. But the trou-
BILE was, Christie. you simply jumped
on me without even asking how 1t oc-
Cured. You took it for granted was
late on purpose to spite you"
We'll, weren't your" and the girl
glanced inquiringly up into his face,
as they passed out of the alley into
the light of the Trocaderos windows.
You certainly acted that way"
mo. | did not; but you wouldn't
listen, and besides had no time Their
to explain. There's a lot happened
this afternoon want to tell you
about. VIII you give me time to talk
with your"
why. of course" surprised at the
question. yet full of eagerness. Why
should you ask that?"
Because | want you alone where
no one can overhear a syllable. I'm
afraid of that damned hotel. You
never know who is in the next room.
and the slightest whisper travels from
one end to the other. That is one way
in which Keith got onto our deal-he
had a room next to Willoughby and
Scott. and overheard them talking.
I'm not going to take any more
chances. VIII you go to 'Sheeny
Joe's' with me?"
She drew back from him.
Sheeny Joe's? You mean the sa-
loon near the depot?"
Sure; what's the use OF being so
squeamish3 You sing and dance to a
saloon crowd. don't you? oh, know
you're a good girl. Christie. and all
that I'm not ranking you with these
fy-by-nights around here. But there's
no reason that can see why you
should shy so at a saloon Besides,
you won't see any one. Joe has got
some back room where We can be
alone. and have a bite to eat while