Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-10-20
CHAPTER II.
Showing the Importance of a Golf
Rae

Showing the Importance of a Golf
Bag.
1t must now be revealed (since this
is a straightforward tale) that the stolen
$4,000 was all this TING snugly
reposing in most unlikely hiding place
that Hester with quick resourcefulness,
had hit upon when she saw the guard ap-
preaching. At that moment the purse
was hidden In her dress, but she knew
she could not keep it there: a search
would certainly be made, and-where
could she hide it? What could she do
with it?
The guard turned the handle of the
carriage door and there came for Hester
moment of sickening despair as she
realized her desperate peril; then, in a
flash of inspiration. unseen by the others.
she did the one thing that could save her:
she dropped the bishops purse into the
open mouth of Betty Thompson's golf
bag.
Now the bottom of golf bag is about
the last spot on earth where any one
would expect to find a missing purse; yet,
as devotees of this sport will agree, a
more admirable place of concealment
could scarcely be imagined. Far down in
tumble of heavy clubs the purse lies
unseen by the keenest eye and beyond
reach of the longest arm. To search the
bottom of a golf bag would involve taking
out all the clubs and turning the bag
upside down, but who would do that
Who would go exploring for stolen treas
ure In so battered and SO innocently open
a receptacle?
All of which, in the first emergency,
favored Hester, but now. with the dan
10 70,
out her plan. How was she to get the
purse? There it was, almost within reach
of her fingers, yet tantalizingly out of
reach. 1t was maddening to think that,
might still lose everything simply be-
cause a stupid. flimsy barrier of canvas
and leather stood in her way.
The Storm girl concentrated all her
faculties on this new problem, and thrill
ed with the exhilaration Of a brilliant
coup almost accomplished. There was
no more question Of scruples or regrets.
She had made the break and must See
the thing through. rather neat piece
of work SO far, but the hardest part re-
NAMED. The crisis would come when
the train reached London. Good old
Charing Cross station,
AS she studied the situation, searching
desperately for some master move, Hes
ter talked to Betty, letting the conversa-
ton drift as the latter pleased and keep
ing sweetly to her attitude of virtue in
jured but resigned; also showing the most
touching, almost fearful. gratitude (not
all assumed) for Betty's kindness. Glibiy
she spun hard-luck story of loneliness
and friendlessness, and the disappointing
result of her efforts to be nursery gov
erness. Betty was deeply interested, very
sorry, and finally offered her protege
five pounds, which Hester at first re-
fused. but finally, rather shamefacedly,
accepted, thinking it more in charac ter
q hoT, L
that five pounds and fifty with it, once
she~had gotten safely away with the five
thousand.
Yes. but that was the point. How was
she going to do it? How could she get
the purse? If she could only think of
something! She must think of some
thing. There was not a moment to lose.
Even now they were roaring into London
city. and-suddenly the inspiration came
1T was chance. the only chance. and
Hester took it.
Rising from their seats they gathered
up their belongings. The darkeyed girl
slipped over her shoulders brilliant red
coax, the red being of SO striking a
shade that Betty remembered it after
ward Then very simply and natural lily
Hester turned to her benefactress. Let
me help you with your things. I have
only this little bundle THERE! and
without more ado she took the golf bag.
Thanks" smiled Betty, You must
land. I'll give you my card. Well, here
we are."
With grinding wheels the train drew up
in Charing Cross station, and amid a
great Slamming of doors the passengers
swarmed out and made their way briskly
down the long platform. Betty went first,
explaining to her friend that, in all prob
ability, no one would meet her, owing to
their change of train, yet searching in
the crowd for some familiar face. Hes
!, Il f.< H.
word of the robbery must have been
telesraphed ahead to London. and as
they passed through narrow gates in the
iron barrier that separated the tracks
from the station proper her heart was
pounding furiOusly, although her face
showed only sweet and trusting SMILE
No one stopped them here. and with a
sigh of relief Hester followed on. trying
to quiet the rattle of the golf clubs and
gradually tagging behind her eager
friend
Now. just before them. rose the circle
of wide newsstand, beyond which were
two exits. one on either side of the sta
ton. Betty was moving toward the left
hand exit, and here, in a second. Hester
saw her opportunity. Sheltered by the
newsstand. she had only to steer quickly
toward the right-hand exit, and then.
before Betty could even suspect that she
was missing. make her getaway into the
myriad streets of London. 1t was too
over the trick as finally turned when her
heart froze within her. for there at the
corner of the newsstand were the cold
gray eyes she knew so well fixed pitilessly
on her. Grimes of Scotland Yard!
1t was a critical moment for Hester
Had she weakened by the culver of an
eyelash, had she started ever SO slightly,
the detective would have taken her there
and then, for he remembered her we'll
and the suspicious circumstances of that
a SrhOO1aH n
self-control, swept on serenely without a
followed her.
girl, and faint with fear but unfaltering,
wake. for here now was her only hope of
safety. Grimes was close behind.
AS they reached the street, Betty
things to a Chauffeur, who came forward
eagerly. Then. seating herself on the
cushions, she turned pleasantly to Hester.
1T was good of you to carry that heavy
bag. I'll take it in here-that's right.
Remember I'm at the Savoy for a day or
two with Mr.. Hiram Baxter And here
is our address in Surrey. There" And,
smiling most cordially, she gave Hester
her card.
Hiram Baxter! The American million
aire"' reflected Grimes, puzzled, but still
confident
You'll come to see me, won't your"
called the fair young woman as the taxi
cab started.
yes" answered Hester. her dark eyes
glowing on the ravished golf bag .'I'U