ing already. Now, man, will
you help us out?"

"I? How?"

"Go back there, and meet Miss Maclaire. I don't care where you take
her--lunch, anywhere; only keep her from the hotel as long as possible.
You can do it far better than I, for she will not suspect you of any
interest in this affair. Tell her any lie you can think up on account of
Hawley's absence. Good Lord, old man, can't you see this is your chance;
go in and win."

Fairbain struggled to his feet, still a bit dazed and uncertain, yet
tempted by the opportunity.

"You're perfectly sure, Keith, this isn't anything that will hurt the
girl?"

"Sure! Of course I am. It's just Hawley I'm gunning after. For God's
sake, haven't you got that clear yet?"

"I--I reckon I'm an old fool, Jack," admitted the Doctor regretfully,
"and when an old fool is in love he hasn't got any sense left. Anyhow
I'll do what you want me to now. Where are you going?"

"To watch those others. There is no knowing what play Hawley might try
to pull off, and I want to keep within gun-shot of him. Hurry up, man;
that vestibule door creaked just then."

He shoved him down the dark alley, and dodged back himself across the
front of the tent out into the street. There was a crowd of men in front
of the Trocadero, but the couple he sought were nowhere in sight.

Chapter XXIX. By Force of Arms

With her heart throbbing fiercely, Hope clung to the outer door of the
vestibule endeavoring to see a little of what was transpiring without.
About her was dense darkness, and she dare not explore the surroundings.
Behind could be heard, through what must have been a thin partition, the
various distractions of the stage, shifting scenery, music, shuffling
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 uncertainty tried her to the uttermost. If some one should venture
out that way how could she excuse her presence 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 flee before the terrors thus conjured up within
her mind, they left her as if by magic the moment her straining eyes
distinguished the approach of a dim figure without. She could not tell
who it was, only that it was the unmistakable form of a man, and that