The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1920-08-05

as Ned BeatOn so ~eViuently was. Ilere
surely must be some other cause draw
ing them together. Yet. whatever 1t
was. there was no doubt but that he
had been very properly snubbed. Her
in which she had looked at him and
swept past at Beaton's side which hurt
the most. oh, well. an enemy more
or less made small difference In his
life: he would laugh at IL and forget.
She had made her choice of compan
ably, that the affair had gone no fur
Their before he discovered the sort Of
girl she really was.
Westcott reached this decision and
the outer office at the same time. ex-
changed a careless word or two with
Timmons, and finally purchased a ci-
gar and retired TO one corner to pc
ruse an old newspaper. II was not so
easy to read. however, for the news
failed TO interest or keep his mind
from wandering widely.
Who was this Beaton. and what
connection could be have with Bill
Lacy's gang? The row last night had
revealed a mutual interest between
the men. but what was its nature?
Lacy's purpose he believed he under
stood TO some extent-a claim that IL
was ar extension of the La Rosita
vein which Westcott had tapped in his
recent discovery. But he had no per-
sonal fear of Lacy; not, at Leaf if
he could once get the backing of Cav
endish's money. But these other
peopIe-Beaton, Miss Donovan, and
still another expected to arrive soon
from the East-how were they con-
nected with the deal?
He was so deeply engrossed in these
thoughts that he remained
that Timmons had left the Office, or
that the Chinese man-of-aA-work had
silently tiptoed down the stairs and
was cautiously peering in through the
open doorway to make sure the coast
was clear. Assured as to this, the willy
oriental sidled noiselessly across the
floor and paused beside him.
'Zis Meester yest-c-ott?" he asked
softly.
That's my name. John what is it?"
The messenger shook a folded paper
out Of his sleeve, thrust ii into the
others hand hastily. and, with q hur-
ried glance about, started 20 glide
away as silently as he had come. He
vanished into the dark hall. and there
was the faint chatter of his shoes on
the stairs.
Westcott, fully aroused, cast his
glance about the deserted room, and
unfolded the paper which had beer
left in his dngers. His eyes took In
the few penciled words instantly.
"Do not be angry. / had the best
of reasons. Meet me near the lower
bridge at three o'clock. Very impor-
tant. s. D."
He read the lines over again, his
lips emitting a low whistle, his eyes
~darkening with sudden appreciation.
1t had been a trick, then, a bit of play
acting! But had 1t? Was not this
rather the real fraud-this sudden
change of heart. This note might
have a sinister purpose; be intended
to deceive. No! He would not be-
lieve this. All his old lurking faith
in her came back in a flash of revela-
ton. He would continue to believe in
her, trust her, feel that some worthy
purpose had influenced her strange
action. And, above all, he would be
at the lower bridge on the hour set.
He was back at the desk when Tim
mons returned.
what do I owe you, old man."
He paid the bin jOkingly and in
the best Of humor, careful to tell the
proprietor that he was leaving for
his mine and might not return for sew
eraI days. He possessed confidence
that Tfmmons wOald make no secret
Of this In Haskell after his departure.
He was glad to notice that Beaten
observed him as he passed the Good
Luck saloon and went tramping down
the dusty road.
The only carriage belonging to the
town livery passed o o after his ar
rival, evidently bound for the station,
and from his covert he recognized
Beaton luiling ca~relessly In the back
seat. This must mean that the man
expected arrivals on the afternoon
train. important arrivals whom ne de-
sired to, honor. There was no sign,
however, Of Miss Donovan; the time
was up, yet with no. evidence Of her
approach.
westcott waited patiently. erguing
to himself that her delay might be
caused by her wish to get Beaton well
out of the way before she ventured to
leave the hotel. At last he stro'ie
down the path to the bridge, and saw
her leaning over the rail. staring at
the rippses below,
"Why." he exclaimed In surprise.
1how long have you been here?"
Several minutes" and she turned
to face him. IL waited until the car
riage passed before coming onto the
bridge. i took the foot path from the
hotel"
"Y0u sent for me; there is some ex-
PLANTATION, no doubtT
The lady smiled. lifting her ayes to