Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-02-16
SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE
BY EARL DERR BIGGERS

Hayden wheeled quickly and looked Magee in the
eyes flush crossed his face leaving it paer than be-
fore. He turned away without speaking.
"Peters," said Magee, you heard what Mr.. Hayden
said. An extra plate at dinner, please | must leave
you for moment Gentlemen He saw that their eyes
followed him eagerly full of suspicion, nenacng. ave
shall all meet again very shortly
Hayden slipped quickly between Magee and the
stairs. The latter faced him sningy, rejecting he
did so that he could love this man but little.
"Who your" said Hayden again "What is your
business here?"
Magee laughed outright, and turned the other
"Eow unfortunate" he said "Ths gentleman does not
know the and customs of Baldpate in winter
Those questions, Mr.. Hayden, that i'm
polite enough to ask of one another up here He moved
his path Il am very happy, he added "that you
to be with us at dinner. 1t will not take you long to
accustom yourself to our ways, I'm sure
HE ran UP the stairs and passed through number seven
- out upon the balcony Trudgng through the snow,
he sighted the room of Professor Bolton. And as
he did SO little shiver that was not due to atmospheric
conditions down his spne for of the professor
windows stood wide open, bidding welcome to the
mountain storm. Peters had spoken the truth. Once
more that tight little, right little package within
Magees KEN
He stepped through the open window, and closed it
after him. By the table sat Professor Bolton wrapped
in coats and blankets, reading by the light of solitary
candle. The book held almost touching his nose
reminder of the spectaces that gone. As Magee
entered the old man looked up, and very obvious
preston of fright crossed his face.
Good evening, Professor, said Magee easily. "Don t
you find it rather cool with the window open?'
"Mr. Magee, replied the much-wrapped gentleman
81 that rather disturbing progressive, fresh air
devotee. l feel that Gods good air meant to be
breathed, not barricaded from our bodies"
Perhaps, suggested Magee, Il should have left the
window open?'
The old man regarded him narrowly al have no wish
to be inhosptable he replied; bluff you please"
Certainly answered Magee. He threw open the
window.
The professor held up his book. al was passing the
time before dinner with my pleasant old companion
Montague. Mr. Nlagee, have you ever read his essay
on lIarS!'
Never said NIagee "But do not blame you for
brushing UP it at the present time, Professor. have
come to apologize Yesterday morning referred in
rather unpleasant way to the murder in the chemical
laboratory at one OF our universities said that the
professor of chemistry was missing. This morning
paper, which l secured from Mr.. Peters, informs me
that he has been apprehended."
"You need not have troubled to tell me- said the old
He smiled his bleak smile.
81 did you an injustice, went on Magee.
Let us say no more of it, pleaded Professor Bolton
Alagee walked about the room. Wariy the professor
turned that the other at instant at his back
He looked SO helpless, so little Intellectual that agee
abandoned his first plan of eapng him there in the
pose be attained.
al suppose he said "your love of fresh air
for the stros the balcony at all hours of night'
The old man merely blinked at him.
al mustn't STOP Magee continued. IL just wanted to
make my apology, that's ALL 1t was unjust of me- Murder
that hardly in your line. By the were you by
Silence.
"Pardor me- remarked the professor at last, @if do
not In this very essay on-on liars, Montaigne
has expressed we'll And how much false speech
less Sociable then silence! | a sociable man.
"Of course smiled Magee. He stood looking down
at the fra old scholar before him. and considered. OF
what avail scufe there in that chill room? The pack
age doubt safely hidden in a he could not
quickly find No, he must wait and watch.
"Goodby, until dinner, he said "and may you find
much in your wise companions book to justify your
conduct"
HE went out through the open window and in another