Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1922-12-08
CHAPTER vill-Continued.

West had said nothing. watching the
others, and waiting to choose some
course of action. His mind was con
fused, uncertain, yet he found encour.
agement in Hobart's statement of the
case. The fellow felt no serious fear of
him; had no suspicion as yet that any.
one believed Percival Coolidge MUIR
dered The probability was that not
even the girl dreamed of such thing
Whatever her connection might be
with this man, she must be innocent
of so foul a crime. Ii he could only
speak to her alone: bring to her the
truth; reveal to her the real character
of this man Hobart, there would be
no doubt of the result. In spite of the
strange situation he yet retained faith
in the girl; she had been deceived, led
astray In some manner, but his first
impression of her true nature still con
trolled his thought. He could only be.
lieve her a victim of scheming villains,
driven by circumstances to play a part
utterly foreign to her character. His
only hope of learning the facts from
her own lips, or of re-establishing her
faith in him, lay in a moments con-
versation alone. His mind instantly
leaped to this conclusion. and his eyes
met her own. They were wide open,
full of curiosity yet not unkind. He
spoke swiftly.
"That sounds fair enough, Hobart"
he said quietly, taking the chance as
though it was the most natural thing
in the world. II am not hunting trouble
in any way, or seeking to butt in
where | am not wanted. Your guess as
to my purpose in coming here is about
right. | had no other object but to be
of some service to this young lady. If
1 can talk with her a moment alone,
and thus assure myself as to her
wishes, I'll give you any pledge you
want, and forget all about the affair.
Is that satisfactory
"Alone, you said? You want to see
her aloneP
Absolutely no other arrangement
will answer want her to talk freely !;
to answer my questions with no inter-
ference"
Hobart glanced toward his compan-
ion inquiringly, evidently inclined to
deny the request.
HI. you don't want much" he
said rather gruffly. "What do you think
about this proposition. Natalie?
The girl smiled, her eyes still on
Vests face.
..Fair enough" she admitted as
though the whole matter was joke.
at looks like the easiest way out"
sAll right, if you say so. 1t is my
guess you are equal to the job. How
much time do you want. West?"
.sTen or fifteen minutes. want TO
get down 70 the bottom of this thing.
"Oh. you do. hey? Modest as ever,
I see. Well, here's luck to you. You
needn't be afraid of the guy, Natalie I;
we GOT his gat before we brought him
up here, and If he makes any break.
I'll be out in the hail ready to take a
hand. You're still for it?'
yes" indifferently. seating herself
on convenient chair. I'VE might as
well talk ii out now as any time. You
60 on Jim, and leave 1t to me-
Hobart was not entirely satisfied.
hesitating as, he lit fresh cigar, his
keen eyes watchful of them both. How
ever. 1t was plain TO be seen the girl
had made her decision. and he evil
IDENTITY knew her well enough to realize
the uselessness of revolt.
s.All right, them" he replied finally.
turning to the door, "Suit yourself,
.nly watch your step. Anyhow. l'A be