The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-28
CHAPTER II.

The second footman in the seclusion OF
MS room was engaged in certain mystic
rites, in which a kettle Of boiling water
played an important part. In other words
he was holding over the steaming spout an
envelope purloined from the ietter-baR. and
which was addressed to certain Capt.
Fitzroy in Capt. 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 its way into the
hands Of Baxter. There was not work
enough here, the conscientious William
had informed Capt. vandeleur in a burst
of confidence Could the captain help him?
And the good-natured captain had prom
ised to write Fitzroy, who wanted a man.
On the fifth day the letter had been
written as williams diurnal examination
of the post bag displayed. And being
cautious and cunning rascal. William
quite appreciated the advantage of know
ing the captains opinion of him. Hence
the hot water, and the letter which yield
ed to gentle pressure. But inside there
was no allusion to Williams virtues. The
letter ran:
Dear Jim: I want you to come down
here particularly; not later than Wednes-
day noon. can promise you some sport
the like of which you have never had be.
fore. Don't fail me because there Is q
deal at stake. and be mum when you do
come. But 1 know that I can rely upon
you. Yours as ever, &C. W."
Some frigid sensation seemed TO be
darting up and down Williams spinal col.
umn.
"Now how did he find It out, I wonder?"
he muttered; land does he suspect me?
If that letter don't allude to Bakers
little game, I'm a Dutchman. On the
whole, 1t would be just as well for the
gallant captain not to get this letter. So
I'll keep it in my pocket and ask Baxter's
opinion"
A post card, properly worded, brought
Baxter on the scene next day. When
he saw the letter his language was pain
full and frequent and free" After a little
time the frown lifted from Bakers fore.
head
"We'n do the captain brown, and I'll
pay Off old scores at the same time The
captains tumbled to something, but he
means to keep 1t to himself and catch us
in flagrante delicto,' as a Judge once re.
marked over a little affair we had to-
gether And you're like to find yourself
in Queer street at the same time. Might
just as well have the swag all the same.
I'll manage that"
But how?" asked the FACILITATING VIII.
lam. 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 as we'll have the game
The captains going to act the diplomatic
dodge. But suppose get him out of the
way, and keep him out of the way, until
the jobs done, and we've had time to
poach good start
you can't do it, Joseph"
II can and will. Now, you leave It to
me, William. Go about your business as
If nothing had happened till Wednesday
night I amt going to ask you to help
me. because I don't trust you. But keep
your window open on Wednesday night.
and when you hear me whistle, get up
and dress and come out. There'll be a
trap waiting beyond the lodge gates Do
you tumbleT'
William nodded gloomiy. Words were
very scarce with him lust then 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 Capt 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 ruffled.
Make your mind quite easy" she said
to Dorothy, just before retiring. Charlie
has made all arrangements, and the thief
is certain to be caught. Meanwhile
shall so and sleep as IL nothing had hap
psned, taking the prscautien Of locking