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w | ti2i fe'JTRi m c/v wm??^M*JHUVMJBHLEjt?S, AUTHO I "TMH PBVi I CX3PY72J&*rr **Y~. 8YN0PSI8. CHAPTER I. ? Frederick Cavendish, I New York man of wealth, receives a letter from an old friend, Jim Westcott, urRlnjf Jilm to come at once to Colorado. ' Decldlsfc to so, he employs a lawyer, Patrick Enrlgnt, to draw up a will leav- ! 1ns most of his estate to charity, with a : mere pittance to John Cavendish, his nephew and only relative, a dissolute youth. That night Frederick Cavendish is murdered In his apartments. No will belns found, John Cavendish Inherits the state. ~ | CHAPTER II.?Two months later Enrlght Informs John Cavendish of the existence of the will, and offers, for $100,000, to say nothlns of It John agrees. Btella Donovan, newspaper writer, learns from ' Frederick Cavendish's valet that he Is not satisfied the body found was that of bis employer. She Is directed by Far-, rise, city editor, of the Star, to follow up the case. CHAPTER m.?Stella learns of the Will Enrlght had drawn up, also of John Cavendish's Infatuation for Celeste La Rue, chorus girl, and that Enrlght Is a friend of .the La Rue girl. A conversation Stella overhears between Celeste and John Cavendish convinces her Frederick Cavendish Is alive, the victim of a conspiracy engineered by Enrlght to secure his fortune, and that Celeste knows where , he Is hidden. Ned Beaton, notorious gun- | man, Is also mentioned. Celeste Is about to leave for Haskell, Colorado, and Stella I is ordered by Farrlss to proceea there at J onrA CHAPTER IV.?At Haskell Stella, representing herself as a newspaper writer, makes trie acquaintance of Jim Weatcott, Frederick Cavendish's old partner. West- J cott resents the interest taken In Stella by Beaton, whom he knows only as a visiting New Yorker, and worsts him In a fistic encountor. CHAPTER V. A Night and a Morning. Stella Donovan never forgot the miseries of her first night In Haskell. When old Man Tlmmons finally left her, after placing the finrlng lamp on a chair, and went pattering hack down the bare hall, she glanced sliudderlngly about at her unpleasant surroundings, none too pleased with the turn of , events. The bed-clothing, once turned back ? and Inspected, was of a nature to pre- , vent the girl frdm disrobing; hut final- J ly she lay down, seeking such iTst as was possible, after turning the flickering flames of the lamp %s low as she ' dared, and then finally blowing It out altogether. Her thoughts, never still, wandered over the events of the eve- | nlng?the arrival at Haskell station, I the strange meeting with Westcott, and the sudden revelation that lie was j the partner of Frederick Cavendish. The big, good-nntitred miner had In- | terested her from the first as repre- \ sentlng a perfect type of her preconceived Ideal of the real westerner. [ She had liked the firm character of his ' face, the quiet, thoughtful way in which he ?cted, the whole unobtrusive bearing ol the man. Already he had awakened her trust; she felt con- i vlnced that If she needed friendship, advice, even actual assistance, here was one whom she could Implicitly trust. She was young and she awoke rest- j ed and refreshed, in spite of the fact j that her body ached at first from the i discomfort of the cot. She stared 1 about at the bare, board walls, the bul- ; let-scarred mirror, the cracked pitcher, j before she could fully reassure herself ; then stepped upon the dlsreputa- , ble rug and crossed to the open window. She straightened up, emitting a swift breath of delight, as her wide-open | eyes surveyed the marvelous scene of ; mingled loveliness and graudeur. The ! stream, curving like a great snalie, : gleamed amid the acres of green grass, I its swift waters sparkling In the sun. ; Beyond, seemingly at no distance at | all, yet bordered by miles of turf and , desert, the patches of vivid green In- j terspersed with the darker coloring of spruce, and the outcropping of brown rocks, the towering peaks of a great j mountain-chain swept up Into the ; clear blue of the sky, black almost to , their summits, which were dazzling with the white of unmelted snow. The girl's eyes dwelt lovingly for some time on the far-flung line of mountains, before she finally released the green shnde, and shut out the scene. Jler toilet was a matter of but a few minutes, although she took ocI The Best Family Ren Bee a use lit ivnr P remedies have cc I Chesterfield 1 U D. H. DOUGLASS, President SI W. J. DOUGLASS, Vice- Pres. H ALSO FIRE, ACCIDENT, I S INSL S, ^ We Buy mmd Sell R? ho riNOE fX JTE 4 micrB WIJ111 PJBRTSn SW ?- ofL*?y OWFJ" ? s"* M *z north " etc p* izass&A^jL d casion to slip on a rrekh waist, and to brighten up the shoes, soinewhut soiled by the tramp through the thick dust the eveniDg before. Indeed, it was a very charming young woman, her dress and appearance quite sufficiently eastern, who finally ventured out Into the rough hall, and down the single flight of stairs. The hotel was silent, except for the heavy breathing of a sleeper In one of the rooms she passed, and a melancholy-looking Chinaman, apparently engaged in chamber work at the further end of the hall. sue passed out Into the bright sunshine, and clear mountain air. The board walk ended at the corner of the hotel, but a narrow cinder, path continued down that side of the street for some distance. Through the rude window at the post office the clerk pushed a plain mnnlla envelope Into her outstretched hand. Evidently from the thinness of the letter, Farrlss had but few Instructions to give and, thrusting the unopened missive Into her handbag, she retraced her steps to her room. There she ventured a startled gasp. The suitcase which she had left closed upon the floor was open?wide open? its contents disarranged. Some one had rummaged It thoroughly. And Miss Donovan knew that she was under suspicion. The knowledge gave the girl a sudden thrill, bnt not of fear. Instead It served to strengthen her resolve. There had been nothing in her valise to show who she really was or why she was in Haskell, and consequently. If any vague suspicion had been i v The Suitcase . . . Was Wide Open, Its Contents Disarranged, y aroused as to her presence In that community, the searchers had discovered no proof by this rifling of her bag. Farrlss* letter contained nothing ot Interest except the fact that Enright had also left for the West. He Instructed her to be on the lookout for him in Haskell, added a line or two of suggestions, and ordered her to proceed with caution, as her quest might prove to be a dangerous one. Miss Donovan thought rapidly and clearly, more than ordinarily eager to solve this mystery. It was Frederick Cavendish who had formerly been the partner of Jim Westcott. This was why no answer had come to the telegrams and letters the latter hnd sent East. What hnd become of them? Had they fallen Into the hands of these others? Was this the true reason for Beuton's presence In Haskell, and also why the La Rue woman had been hastily sent for? Westcott's discovery was not even proven yet; Its value had not been iedv f ks when all other sased to work ife Insistence Loan & Ins. Co. C. C. DOUGLASS, Sec'y & Mgr. GEO. W. EDDINS, Treasurer. IEALTH, HAIL, LIVE STOCK FRANCE al Estate?M?s?r LaaaW ?yafc??-- '..i,.'.' M is-g| definitely established; It was of comparatively small Importance contrasted with the known wealth left by the murdered man In. the East. No, there must be some other cause for thts sudden visit to Colorado. But whut? She Rave little credence to the vaRue suspicions advanced by Valols; that was altORether too Impossible, too melodramatic, this thouRht of the substitution of some other body. No doubt there had been a crime committed, Its object the attainment of money, but without question the cost had been the life of Frederick Cavendteh. The harsh clang of the dinner-bell from the porch below aroused her to a sense of hunger. Ten minutes later Tlinmons, guiltless of any coat, but temporarily laying aside his pipe as a special act of courtesy, escorted her into the dining room and seated her at a table between the two front windows. Evidently this was reserved for the more I distinguished guests?traveling men 1 and those paying regular day rates? for Its only ether occupant was an Individual In a check suit. A waitress, a red-haired, slovenly girl, with an Impediment In her speech, took her order and disappeared In the i direction of the kitchen, and Miss Donovan discreetly lifted her eyes to 1 observe the man sitting nearly opposite. He was not prepossessing, yet she Instantly recognized his type, and the probability that he would address her if the slightest opportunity occurred. I The waitress spread out thfe various dishes before her, and she glanced at them hopelessly. As she lifted her gaze she met that of her vis-a-vis fairly, and managed to smile. "Some chuck," he said In an attempt at good-fellowship, "hut not to remind you of the Waldorf-Astoria." "1 should say not," she answered, testing one of her dishes cautiously. "But why associate me with New York?" "You can't hide those things In a Joint like this. When did you leave New York?" "Oh, more than a week ago," she Ued gracefully. He stroked his moustache. "Then I suppose you haven't much late New York news? Nothing startling, I mean?" "No; only what has been rcnorted In tho western papers. T do not recall anything particularly Interest Inc." She dropped her eyes to her plate and busied herself with a piece of tough beef. "The usual murders, of course, and things of that kind." There wis a moment's silence, then the r a: '.nughed as though slightly ill at ease. "Whatever brought a girl like you dowu iu hejre?" She smiled. "I'm a feature writer; I'm doing a series on the West for Scribbler's," she told him. "I visit New Mexico next, but I'm after something else bet sides a description of mountains and men; I'm also going to hunt up an old friend Interested In mining, who told j me if ever I got out this way I must ' look him up. He was continually singing this valley's charms, und so here I I am. And I'm planning u great surprise on him. And, of cqurse, I'm literally drinking In atmosphere?to say nothing of local color, which seems mostly to he men and revolvers." The man opposite wet his lips with his tongue In an effort to speak, but the girl vas busy eating and apparently paid no attention. Her calm Indifference convinced nlin that her words were entirely Innocent, and his audacity returned. "Well," he ventured, "do you agree with this prospector friend?" "The scenery, you n ean?" glancing up brightly. "Why, It Is wonderful, of course, and I am not at all sorry having made the Journey, although It hardly compares with Tennessee Pass or Silver Plume. Still, you know, It will be pleasant to tell Mr. Cavendish when I go back that I was here." He choked and his face seemed to whiten suddenly. "Mr. Cavendish?" he gasped. "Ol New York? Not the one that waf killed?" It was her turn to stare across tht table, her eyes wide with horror, whicl she simulated excellently. "Killed! Has a man by that nam< been killed lately In New York? I was Frederick Cavendish I referm to." Her pretense was admirable. He was silent, realizing he had al ready said too mnch. "Tell me," she Insisted, "has h< been killed? How do you know?" Her earnestness, her perfect acting convinced him. It was a mere coin cldence, he thought, that this nann should have cropped up between them but, now that It had, he must ex plain the whole affair so as not t< arouse suspicion. He cleared hi throat and compelled his eyes to mee those across the table. "Well, I don't know much about 11 only what I read," he began, fcellnj for words. "He was found dead In hi apartments, apparently killed by i burglar who had rifled his safe." She eat with her chin In the pain of one hand, watching him from be neath the shadow of lowered lashes but his eyes were bent downward a his plate. "Are you through T" he questions suddenly. "Yes; thls^-thls awful news ha robbed me of all appetite." Neither had noticed Westcott as h< entered the room, but his first glanc about revealed their presence, am without an Instant of hesitancy the bl miner crossed the room and np pro^cbed the table where the tw< were sitting, "I hone I do not Interrupt." he sab pleasantly. " I had reason to suppos you were unacquainted with Mr. Ben ton here." "What reason?" her surprised ton slightly Indignant. "I helleve the gentleman so In formed me. It chanced that we hw a slight controversy last night." A. F. DAVIS MARKE1 The Finest Fresh Meats The Best Fancy Groceries High Grade Canned Goods The Beet of Everything for the Table 1?U-i??U1?I?Li?J?'.'J I'll.,. J.1. M IV "II mil. .IW, ("Over met" ~ " "Over his curiosity regarding you? who you were; your presence here. I Informed hlrn thnt It was none of his business, and that If he mentioned your name In my presence again there was liable to be trouble. We scrapped It out." "You?you scrapped it out? You mean there was a fight over me?a barroom squabble over me?" "Not In a barroom; in the hotel office. Beaton drew a gun, and I had to slug him." i "But the affair originated over me? my name was brought into it?" she Inj - i ? I '"'ilfll {'JMP/'' 1 "Would You Escort Me to th% Foot of the 8talr??" slated. "You actually threatened him i because he asked about me?" "I reckon that was about how It ; started." he ndinitted slowly. "You ' see. I rather thought 1 was a sorter i friend of yours, and that I ought to stand for you." Her eyes were scornful, angry. "Indeed! Well, permit, me to say, Mr. West cot t, that i choose my own friends, and am perfectly competent to defend my own character. This closes our acquaintanceship." She moved about the end of the table and touched Beaton's sleeve with her lingers. "Would you escort me to the foot of the stairs?" she asked, her voice softening. "We will leave this belligerent Individual to his own company." Neither of them glanced back, the girl still speaking as they disappeared, but Westcott turned in his chair to watch tliem cross the room, lie lint! no sense of anger, no desire to retaliate, but he felt dazed and as though the whole world was suddenly turned upside down. So she really belonged with that outilt,. did she? Well, It was a good joke on him. Before he finished his menl his mood had changed to tolerant amusement. That the girl had deliberately deceived hlni was plain enough, revealed now In both her manner and words. It was clear she really belonged to the Lacy crowd, and had no more use for him. I He could scarcely comprehend the ' situation; how a girl of her apparent | refinement and gentility could ever be 1 attracted hy a rough, brutal type such ' a?Ned Beaton so evidently was. There surely must be some other cause draw Ing them together. Yet, whatever It 1 was, there was no doubt but that he : had been very properly snubbed. Her i words stung: yet It was the manner : In which she had looked at him and ? swept past at Beaton's side which hurt j the most. Oh, well, an enemy more ' or less made small difference In his i j life; he would laugh at It and forget. She had made her choice of conipan> lonshlp, and It was just as well, prob? ably, that the affair hnd gone no fur^ ther before he discovered the sort of ' girl she really was. 1 Westeott reached this decision and 1 the outer office at the same time, exchanged a careless word or two ylth Tlmmons, and finally purchased a cigar and retired to one corner to peB ruse an old newspaper. It was not so easy to rend, however, for the news :, failed to Interest or keep his mind i- from wandering widely, e Who was this Benton, and what i, connection could be have with Bill > Lney's gang? The row Inst night bad 0 revealed a mutual Interest between a the men, but what was Its nature? t Lney's purpose be believed he understood to some extent?a claim that It t, was an extension of the La Itosltn 3 vein which Westeott bad tapped in bis 9 recent discovery. But he hnd no pera sonal fear of Lacy; not, at least, if be could once get the backing of CavQ endlsh's money. But these other h people?Beaton, Miss Donovan, and | still another expected to arrive soon ? from the East?how were they connected with the deal? ^ lie was st> deeply engrossed In these thoughts that he remained unaware ?, that Tlmmons had left the office, or thnt the Chinese man-of-nll-work bad R silently tiptoed down the stairs and p was cautiously peering In through the 1 open doorway to make sure the coast ^ UII.1 virm. ;\{>Miit*u an lV nil". Hie Wiljf oriental sidled noiselessly across the floor and paused beside him. "Zls Meester Vrest-c-ott?" he asked rl softly. (> "That's my name. John; whnt Is It?" The messenger shook a folded paper out of his sleeve, thrust It Into the p other's hand hastily, and. with a hurried glance about, starte<T to glld? away as silently as he had come. Ho j vanished Into the dark hall, and there W'ts the faint clatter of his shoes ou - tie stairs. To prevent a cold take 666. R GASOLINE SYSTEMS Oil Tanks and Pumps, Air Compressors, Computing Scales Floor Scales, Show Cases, Account Registers, Rebuilt Cash I Registers, Safes, Store Fix/^es. p HAMILTON SALES <&? r. \7estcott, folly aroused, oast his glance about the deserted room, and unfolded the pHper which had been left In his fingers. His eyes took In the few penciled words Instantly. "Do not ne angry. I had the best of reasons. Meet me near the lower bridge ut three o'clock. Very Important. S. D." He read the lines over again, his Hps emitting a low whistle, his eyes darkening with sudden appreciation It had been a trick, then, n bit ot play acting! Jlut had It? Was not this rather *'<10 real fraud?this sudder change of heart. This note" might have a sinister purpose; be luieudet "Zis Meester Vest-c-ott?" He Asked Softly. to deceive. No! TTo woulrl not tieHorn i ll i tJ All Jftlo nl<l 111 !* i n I'nWU In her came back In a flash of revela- ! tion. Ho would continue to believe in ' her, trust her, feel that some worthy purpose had influenced her strange action. And, above ail. he would be at the lower bridge on the hour set. He was back at the desk when Timmens returned. "What do I owe you, old man?" lie paid the bill jokingly and In tbe best of humor, careful to tell the proprietor that he was leaving for his mine and might not return for several days. lie possessed confidence that Timmons would make no secret of this in Ifaskell after his departure. He was glad to notice that Beaton observed him as lie passed tlie Good Luck saloon and went tramping down the dusty road. The only carriage belonging to the town livery passed soon after his arrival, evidently bound for the station, and from his covert he recognized Beaton lolling carelessly in the back seat. This must mcjtn that the man expected arrivals off the afternoon train, important arrivals whom He de; sired to honor. There was no sign, i however, of Miss Donovan; the time was up, yet with no evidence of ner appronch. Westcott waited patiently, arguing to himself that her delay might he caused by her wish to get Beaton well out of the way before she ventured to leave the hotel. At last he strode down the path to the bridge, and saw her leaning over the rail, staring nt the ripples below. "Why," he exclaimed In surprise, "how long have you been here?" "Several minutes," and site turned to face him. "I waited until the carriage passed before coming onto the bridge. I took the foot path from the hotel." "You sent for me; there is some explanation, no doubt?" The lady smiled, lifting her eyes to his face. "There is." she answered. "A perfectly satisfactory one, I believe; but i this place Is too prominent, as 1 hnve a rather long story to tell." "There is a rock sent below, Just beyond the clump of willows, quite out of sight from the road," he suggested. ' PprhnnQ van wmilri - - hV "till IUO there?" "What (rail is that?' "It loads to mines up the canyon, my own Included, but is not greatly traveled; the main tj'nil is farther ! east." She walked to iho edge of the bridge and permitted him to assist her down the hank. There was something of reserve about her manner, which pre! vented Westcott from feeling nlto| get her at ease. Neither broke the si| lence between them until they reached the flat boulder and had found seats \ in the shelter of overhanging trees, i She sat a moment, then she turned i toward him questionincrly. "I was very rude," she said, "hut i you will forgive me when I explain ! the cause. I had to net as I did or I else lose my hold entirely on that | man?you understand?" "I do not need to understand," he ' answered gallantly. "It is enough that ; you say so." "No, it is not enough. I value your friendship, Mr. Westcott. and I need your advice." "You may feel confidence in me." "Oh, I do; indeed, you cannot realize how^thoroughly I trust you," and Impulsively she touched his hand with I her own. "That is why I wrote you ' to meet me here?so I could tell you I the whole story." He waited, his eyes on her face. "I received mv tetter this mernln?r.? ? | the letter I told you I expected, con: tainlng my Instructions. They?they : relate to this man Ned Tleaton and the 1 woman he expects on this train." "Your Instructions?" he echoed doubtfully. "You mean you have been sent after these people on some criminal matter? You are a detective?" There must have been a tone of distrust In his voice, for she turned and faced him defiantly. "No; not that. Listen: 1 am a newspaper woman, a special writer on the New York Star." She paused, her cheeks flushing with nervousness, i "It?It was very strange that 1 met cane Is of personal Interest to yon." "To met Why, that Is hardly likely, 13 If It originated in New York." ' "It did"?she drew In a sharp breath?"for It originated in the mur- ' der of Frederick Cavendish." "The murder of Cavendish ! He has ^ been killed?" * "Yes; at least that Is what every- 1 one believes, except possibly one man ?his former valet. Ills body was f found lying dead on the floor of his 11 private apartment, the door of his safe ^ open, the money and papers missing. * The coroner's Jury brought in a verdict of murder on these facts." "But when was this?" She gave the date and he studied * over it/ "The same day he should have rereived my telegram," he said gravely. ? "That's why the poor fellow never answered." He turned to her suddenly. "But what became ot my others," hs asked, "and of nil the letters I wrote?* ** "That Is exactly what 1 want to learn. They must have been delivered h< to his cousin, John Cavendish. I'll tell n( you all I know, and then perhaps, lie- ^ tween us, we may be able to flpure It eI out." Briefly and clearly she set before him the fncts she and Willis had been ** nhle to pather: the will, the connection between Enrlpht and John Cav- n< endlsh, the quarrel between John and Frederick, the visit of John to Kn- T rlpfht's office, the suspicion of Vnlola fii that the murdered man was not Cav- a^ endlsh, and, llnnlly, the conversation w overheard In Stelnwny's, the torn tel- tt eprnin, and the meetlnp between Ce- Kl leste La Rue and Knripht. When she hnd finished Westcott sat, hi chin In hand, turnlnp the evidence C over In his mind. "Do you believe ti Frederick Cavendish is dead?" he hi asked suddenly. i e< "Yes." j e: Westcott struck his hand down on tl the rock, his eyes plowlnp danperously. , s1 "Well, I don't!" he exclaimed. "I . *>' believe he Is alive! My the?ry Is that ' ci this was nil carefully nrranped, hut ! that circumstances compelled them to Q act quickly and before they were i entirely ready. Two unexpected oc- '< currence hurried them into action." j B She leaned forward, stirred by his n earnestness. ^ "What?" P "The quarrel in the restaurant, lend- ' inp to the mnklnir of the will." be nn- ! swered gravely, "and my telegram. n The two things fit together exactly. ? He most have received my first message that seme night. In my Judgment he was glad of some excuse to D leave New York and determined to | take the first train west. His quarrel c with John, coupled with his disgust K of the company he kept, caused him j to draw up this will hurriedly. He < *S left the cluh Intending to pack up and > g take the first train." j h "And was killed before he could do h so?' ! <3 "Possibly: hut If the dead man hnd 1 no scnr on his chest he was not Fred- s erlck Cavendish; he was an Impostor; f some poor victim deliberately suhstl- " tuted because of his facial resent- a blance. My belief is tlint Fred re- ; turned to his apartments, took what h money he required, packed his valises r and departed without a word to any one. He often did things like that? v hastily, on the spur of the moment." "But what happened afterward?" t "The rest is all theory. I do not , r know, hut I'll make a guess. In some a I way the conspirators learned what n hnd occurred, hut not In time to in- I tercept his departure; yet they hnd h everything ready for action, and real- j li ! ized this was the opportunity. Fred- ; s [ erlck had disappeared leaving no trace h i behind; they could attend to him v I later. Intercept him, perhaps? Walt! j c Keep still. There, comes the carriage o ; from the train." He drew her hack Into the denser e ' undergrowth and they looked out t ; through the leave* to where the road j circled In toward the bridge. The hoof- ! , bents of horses alone broke the si- e lence. s CHAPTER VI. Viewed From Both Sides. The carriage emerged Into full view. Reside the driver It contained three 1 passengers?Benton on the front seaj, ; his face turned backward toward the | two nenmo, n man and a woman. The girl seized Westcott's arm 1 while she directed his gaze' with her , free hand. "Look !" she erled. "The j woman Is T.a Hue. And the man?the . man Is Enrlglit! lie Is the lawyer T ; told you of. the one whose hand Is not clear in this affair. And he is here!" "Good!" Westcott exclaimed. "I'm glad they're both here. It means that there will he more to observe, and it means that there will he action?and that, too, quick! They are out here for a definite purpose which must soon he disclosed. And, Miss Donovan, I may he a little rock-worn and a little hit out of style, hut I think their pres- | ence here has something to do with the whereabouts of Fred Cavendish." | The girl looked straight into his honest, clear eyes. His remark opened a vast field for speculation "You think he Is alive, then?" she said earnestly. "It Is an interesting hy j pothesls. Perhaps?perhaps he may he In this neighborhood, even. And that," she added, her Irish eyes alight, , ! "would he more Interesting still." "I hadn't finished my argument ! when that carriage appeared," Westcott answered. "I)o you remember! Well, that might he the answer. Benton has been In this neighborhood ever since about the time of that murder In New York. Nobody knows 1 what Ills business Is, hut lie is handln-glove with Bill Lacy and his gang. * I laicy, nesmes running a saloon, prei tends to he a mining speculator, hut ' It Is my opinion there Is nothing he ' ' wouldn't do for money, if he consld- I , ered the game safe. And now, with ' everything quiet In the Kast, and no ! thought that there Is any suspicion remaining, Ronton sends for the woman ' to join him here. Why? Because 1 there Is some Joh to he done too hlg I for him to tackle alone. He's merely a gunman; he can do the strong-arm stuff, all right, hut lacks hrnlns. Thero : Is a problem out here requiring a lit- ' | tie Intellect; and It is my guess It Is how to dispose of Cavendish until thej t ' can get away safely with the swag." J | "I wonder how thlewaa ever planned < iont?if It be true?" t1 "It moat have originated In some cun ilng, criminal brain." ha admitted hough t fully. "Not Beaton'a, sorely i ad, while she la probably much lighter, 1 am inclined to think the s in is merely acting under orders. ['here is somebody connected with his scheme higher up?a master crlmnal." 4 Miss Donovan was nc fool; newspa?er work had taught her to suspect tien of Intellect, and that nothing, lowever wicked, low or depraved, was ? ' eyond them. "Knrlght 1" she said definitely. **Ob lously now. I've thought so from the Irst. But always he worked so careally, so guurdedly. that sometimes 1 ?ve doubted. But now 1 say without lal Ideations?Enrtght, smooth lfr. nrlght, late of New York.** "That's my bet," Westcott agreed. Is band on her shoulder, forgetful of s intense earnestness, "Enrlght Is ie only one who could do It, and he is schemed so an to get John Into a >le where he dare net emit a sound, matter what they do to him. If ipy can only succeed In keeping Fred lck safely out of sight until after the >urt awards the property to his heir, tey can milk John at their leisure, 's a lawyer's graft, all right." "Then Frederick may be cofiflned it far away?" "Likely enough; it's wild country, here ore a hundred places within fty miles where he might be hidden way for years. That is the Job hlch was given to Beaton; he had le dirty work to perform, while the Irl took care of John." Westcott's theory of the situation, Is quick decision that Frederick avendlsh still lived, completely overirned Stella's earlier conviction. Yet Is argument did not seem unfair or his inclusion Impossible. Her newspaper rperience had made her aware that lene Is nothing In this world so trange as truth, and tiotnlng so unsnal as to be beyond the domain ef rime. "What do you think?" he asked uletly. "Oh, I do not know; it all growa ss comprehensible every moment. nt whatever Is true I cnnnot Ree that nythlng remains for us to do, but tilt and watch the actions of these eople; thoy are certain to betray lemselves." "Well, I am going to busy myself nd take a scoutlrg trip te La losltn." "Is that Lary's mine?" "Yes; up the gtilch here about two illes. I am to see you again?alone?" "We must have some means of ommunlcatlon; have you any sugestlon ?" "Yes, but we'll take for our motto, Safety first.' We mustn't be seen toother. or suspected In any way of beng friends. The livery-stable keeper ins a boy about twelve, who Is quite levoted to me; a bright, trustworthy Ittle fellow. lie Is about the hotel a rood deal, and will bring me word rout you any time. You need have 10 fear that I shall fall to respond to ny message you send." "I shall not doubt." She held out ipr band frankly. "You believe in me iow, Mr. Westcott?" "Absolutely; Indeed I think I alrnys have." "Always think so, please, no mater what happens. I was nearly wild intil I got the note tb you; I was so frald you would leave the hotel. We aiftst trust each other." He stood before her, his hat In and. a strong, robust figure, his _ r on zed face clearly revealed; the unlight making manifest the gray air about his temples. To Miss Donoan he seemed all man, Instinct with hnracter and purpose, a virile type f the out-of-doors. "To the death," and his lips and yes smiled. "I believe In you uteri y." "Thank you.. Oood-by." lie watched her climb the bank and merge upon the bridge. He still tood there, bareheaded, when she I ? a . I She Turned and Smiled Back at Him. turned aiml smiled back at him, wavills' her luiiwl Tlum ulm.ii.. n.. urt? varnished, and la? whs left alone, A moment later, WVstoott was striding up the trnlh Intent upon a plan to entrap Lacy. (To be continued) Rub-My-Tisin cures bruises, cuts, >urnsf sores, tetter, etc. -8 Catarrh Cannot Be Cured villi LOCAL Al'l'l.lC A'i IONS, ub they ninnot reacti the seat of the dlBea: ?. atarrh is a local diseuge, greatly tnluencod by constitutional conditions, and n order to cure It you must take an nternal remedy. Hall's Catarrh Medline is taken Internally and acta thru he blood on the mucous surfaces of the lystem Hall's Catarrh Medicine was prescribed by one of the best physicians n this country for years. It is composed of some of the best tonics known, ;omhlned with some of the best blood purifiers. The perfect combination of [he Ingredients In Hall's Catarrh Madl . .* ">ioi iiiuiiutus Kucn wonacrrui results In catarrhal condltlona Band for testimonials, free VnjKSSJ. fc.co-Prw' ? ' ?? ? H?U'? F*mUjr PUta tor n n.illntw. - - M