Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-12-01
Seuen Keys to Baldpqte
BY EARL DERR BIGGERS
Copyright by Bobbs-Merrin Coz

shook hands. Outwardly the glances
they exchanged were nonchalant and
casual, but somehow Mr.. Magee felt
that among the matters they estab-
lished were social position, with cum
ming, guile and taste in dress.
May / help with the coffee?" asked
Miss Thornhill.
"Only to drink it," replied the girl
of the station. Its all made now,
you see."
AS if In proof of this, Mrs. Norton
appeared in the dining-room with a
tray, and simultaneously opened an
endless monoIogue:
II don't know what you men will
say to this, I'm sure-nothing In the
house but some coffee and a few
crackers--not even any canned soup,
and / thought from the way things
went yesterday he had ten thousand
cans of 1t at the very least--but men
are all alilSe-what name did you
say?-oh yes, Miss Thornhfll, pleased
to meet you, I'm sure-excuse my not
shaking hands--as / was saying, men
are all alike-Norton thought If he
brought home q roast on Saturday
night 1t ought to last the week out"
She ratified on. Unheeding her flow
of talk, the hermits of Baldpate Inn
swallowed the coffee she offered.
When the rather unsatisfactory sub
stitute for breakfast was consumed
Mr.. Magee rose briskly.
Now" he said, I'm going to run
up to the hermit's shack and reason
with him as best can. shall paint
in touching colors our sad plight. II
the man has an atom of decency-"
"A walk on the mountain in the
morning." said Miss Thornton quick
ly. splendid. l.
Wonderful put in Miss Norton.
II, for one, can't resist. Even though
haven't been invited, I'm going
along" She smiled sweetly. She had
beaten the other girl by the breadth
of q hair, and she knew it. New
glories shone in her eyes.
Good for you" said Magee. The
evil hour of explanations was at
hand, surely. run up and get your
things"
While Miss Norton was gone Mr..
Cargan and Lou Max engaged in
earnest converse near q window.
After which Mr.. Max pulled on his
overcoat.
II amt been invited, either he
said, but l reckon I'll go along
always wanted to see what hermit
lived like when he's really buclxled
down to the hermit business. And
then a walk in the morning has al
ways been my first rule for health.
You don't mind, do your
'Who am /" asked Magee, that
should stand between you and health?
Come along, by all means"
With the blue corduroy suit again
complete. and the saucy hat perched
on her blond head, Miss Norton ran
down the stairs and received the news
that Mr.. Max also was enthralled by
the possibilities of a walk up Bald
pate. The three went out through
the front door, and found under the
snow hint of the path that led to
the shack of the postcard mer-
chant.
win you go ahead?" asked Magee
Of Max.
Sorry" grinned Max. but guess
I'll bring up the rear"
Suspicion" said Mr.. Magee, shak-
ing his head, has caused a lot of
trouble in the world. Remember the
cruelty practlsed on Pueblo Sam"
IT do" replied Mr.. Max, land 1t
nearly breaks my heart But there's
a little matter / forgot to mention
last night. Suspicion Is all right In
It's place
where's THAR" asked Mr.. Megee.
Mr.. Max tapped his narrow chest.
Here" he said. So the three began
the climb. Mr.. Magee and the girl