Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1923-01-13
CHAPTER vIIl-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. If 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 vet 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 bis thought. lie could only be-
lieve her a victim of scheming villains,
driven by circumstances to play a part
Utterly foreign to her character His
onl? 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,
fun of curiosity yet not unkind. He
spoke swiftly.
'That sounds fair enough, Hobart"
be said quietly, taking the chance as
though it was the most natural thing
in the world. Il am not hunting trouble
in any way, or seeking to butt in
where am not wanted. Your guess as
10 my purpose in coming here is about
right. had no other object but to be
OF some service to this young lady. If
] 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 said7 You want to see
her alone2"
Absolutely no other arrangement
viii 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.
H, you don't want much" he
said rather guffly. "What do you think
about this proposition, Natalie?"
The girl smiled. her eyes still on
Vests face.
Fair enough" she admitted rs
though the whole matter was Joke.
st looks like the easiest way out"
AN right, If You say so. 1t is my
guess you ere equal to the job. How
much time do you want, West?"
Ten or fffeen minutes. I want to
get down to The bottom of this thing.
"0h, you do, hey? Modest as ever.
] see. Wen, here's luck 10 you. You
needn't he afraid Of the guy. Natalie;
We got his gat before we brought him
0p here, and If he makes any break,
III be out ia the hall ready to take
hand. You're still for itfa
"Yes" indifferently. seating herself
On a convenient chair. I'VE might as
~ell talk it out now as any time. You
g on Jim, and leave it TO me-
Hobart vas not entirely satisfied.
nesiiating as he liz a fresh cigar, his
Eeen eyes watchful Of them both. How
Ger. il was plain to be seen the girl
had made her decision. and be evi-
gently knew her well enough to realize
fae Gselessless Of revolt.
= right. then he replied finally.
turning TO the door. "Suit yourself.
t"h vonr step ANYHOW. IA De