The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-28
CHAPTER III.

The second fOOtman IN the SecluSlOn Oh
his room was engaged in certain mystic
rites, In which kettle of boiling water
played an important part. In other words
he was holding over the steaming spout an
envelope purloined from the letter-bag.
and which was addressed to a certain Cap
tain Fitzroy in Captain Vandeleur's hand.
For the last day or two William had been
laying his plans for an exodus from Van
deleur park when once the ambassadorial
plate should have found it's way into the
hands of Baxter. There was not work
enough here, the conscientious William had
informed Captain vandeleur in a burst of
And the good-natured captain had prom
Used to write Fitzroy, who wanted man.
On the fifth day the letter had been writ
ten as Williams diurnal examination Of
the post-bag displayed. And being a eau
tious and cunning rascal, William quite APP
preciated the value of knowing the cap
tain's opinion of him. Hence the hot water.
and the letter which yielded to gentle pres
sure. But inside there was no allusion to
Williams virtues. The letter ran:
Dear Jim: 1 want you to come down
here particularly; not later than Wednes-
day noon. l can promise you some sport
the like of which you have never had be-
fore. Don't fail me because there is
deal at stake and be mum when you do
come. But / know that 1 can rely upon
you. Yours as ever.
&c W"
Some frigid sensation seemed to be DART
ing up and down Williams spinal column.
Now how did he find 1t out. 1 wonder
he muttered; "and does he suspect me? If
that letter don't allude to Bakers little
game. I'm a Dutchman. On the whole it
would be just as well for the gallant Cap
tain not to get this letter. So I'll keep it
In my pocket and ask Bakers opinion"
A postcard, properly worded, brought
Baxter on the scene next day. When he
saw the letter. his language was painful
and frequent and free" After little time
the frown lifted from Baxter's forehead.
We'll do the captain brown, and I'll pay
off old scores at the same time. The cap
tain's tumbled to something, but he means
to keep 1t TO himself and catch us in
fiagrante delicto,' as judge once remarked
over a little affair we had together. And
you're like to find yourself in Queer street
at the same time. Might just as we'll have
the swag all the same. I'll manage that"
But how?" asked the palpitating Will
liam. WED better bolt"
why bolt? They'll be after both of us
In any case; and so long as we've got the
name We may well have the game
The captains going to act the diplomatic
dodge. But suppose 1 get him out of the
way. and keep him out of the way until
the jobs done. and we've had time to
poach a good start"
You can't do it, Joseph"
az can and will. Now you leave II 10 me-
William. Go about your business as If
nothing had happened till Wednesday
night. I amt going TO ask you to help me-
because 1 don't trust you. But keep your
window open on Wednesday night. and
when you hear me whistle get I'D and
dress and come out. Therell be a trap
waiting beyond the lodge gates. Do you
tumble?'
William nodded gloomily. Words were
very scarce with him just them. All the
same he swallowed his fears and went
back to work with an assumption of gaiety
which he was far from feeling
Wednesday evening came. and with il no
signs OF Captain Fitzroy. Vandeleur said
nothing. though he appeared to be an
noyed about something. But Nora, the
only one in the secret. did not allow her
serenity to be ruffied.
snake your mind quite easy" she said
to Dorothy. just before retiring. Charlie
has made all arrangements. and the thief