The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1899-1900, 1899-03-01
CHAPTER III.


Hendricks grunted contemptuously
and quickly drew the doctor into cor
ridor leading off to the right.
that's the way young detectives do
It," he sneered. "Half dozen people
must have seen those blue uniforms as
cend the elevator and are now wonder
ing what's up. 1t won't be five min
utes before the whole thing will be pub
lie property. Ye gods!" (as two young
men turned corner and rushed past
them examining the numbers on the
doors). "Reportorial vampires! Our
clerk despaired of making anything
out of me by holding his tongue and
has sent these fellows up the rear
stairs. They know the number of the
apartment and they'll get there in time
to report the whole bloody business in
the morning. Geewhilikins, won't the
public have royal feast?"
The two men managed to reach the
Office unobserved. Little groups of
idlers were gathered here and there
like eddies in the current of humanity
that swirled through the great room.
Every now and then some one would
throw Mortified glance up at the main
stairs as II expecting the temperance
of the policemen.
Hendricks was glad he was known
by sight to only few people, for it
often enabled him to act with more
freedom than he could otherwise have
done. Doffing his soft hat, and care
lessly brushing back his heavy hair, he
stood in the doorway leading into the
crowded ballroom. Signaling to man
who seemed to be sort of floor man
aSer, he said:
II have an important message for
Miss Huntington; can you point her
out to me?" t." tr
The eyes of the man thus addressed
swept over the swirling walters for a
moment, then he said:
"There she is sitting with her aunt,
Mrs. Winfret, on the divan under the
palms."
''Thank you," said Hendricks, and to
Lampkin's surprise, for he had consid-
cred his friend mortally averse to meet
ing ladies, the detective, gracefully
avoiding whisking skirts and flying
heels, made his way to where the two
ladies were sitting.
81 beg your pardon" he began, ad-
dressing the younger of the two, an ex-
ceedingly beautiful young woman. 81
trust you will pardon my boldness, but
it is important that 1 should speak to
you on matter concerning your in
terests. 1 must take the liberty OF
introducing myself. Hendricks is my
name. / am a private detective"
"0h!" with that exclamation, the
young lady stared helplessly at Hen
bricks for moment, and then trans
ferred the gaze of her long-lashed eyes
to her aunt. Thus appealed to, Mrs
Winfret addressed the detective in s
tone of no little astonishment:
"You wished to speak to us, sir?"
"On matter of important business
and Immediately, if possible"
"I-I hardly know what to say" sht
stammered, pushing the ice she hat
been eating aside and giving her whit,
skirt a pull towards her. Ifyou would
call tomorrow"
Hendricks smiled reassuringly.
"What l desired to say must be con
fided to you tonight. thought as l
was growing late that you might g
home before long, and that l nigh
perhaps see you there" e.
Mrs. Winfret colored slightly.
81 have no doubt that your reques
will prove to be reasonable in ever,
way, but our escorts have just left thu
room for a few minutes, and-ant
your proposal is unusual, to say tn,
least"
Hendricks cast furtive glance a
the Office. Small groups had melted
into large ones, and quite crowd hat
gathered round the counter. 1t wa
plain to him that it would not be man,
seconds before the gay and giddy rev
elers would be Mortified by the awfu
report concerning prominent mem
ber of their set. rta
"My request is decidedly unusual,
he admitted, turning to the ladies an
biting his lips, "but the matter is YER
grave one, and you will appreciate m
boldness when you have heard wha
have to say. l must urge you to OF
der your carriage at once. l shall fo
low you to your home. Surely, protect
ed by your own servants you have moth
ing to fear from me-a servant of tn
public"
''But we have never seen you bt
FORE" the lady began hesitatingly.
"0h, aunt, don't say that" interpose
Miss Huntington, completely winnin
the heart of the detective by her gentl,
ness and rare beauty. II have read s
much of Mr.. Hendricks courtesy I
ladies', and his bravery, that absolute
ly fear nothing. 1t won't take us
minute" she added, smiling graciousl
on Hendricks. "I'll order the carriae
and we will meet you at'hotne in te
minutes" ilL' trs
Hendricks bowed like cavalier an
wended his way through the maze {
dancers to the Office, where he WI
joined by Lampkin.
~ presume it is OUT, were his fir
words.
"They are talking of nothing else
replied the doctor. "The excitement
raging. The proprietor has called