Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-12

kcenly at the bald-headed little man across
from him. "Nor shall | make conversation
of the fact he added, "that the professor
of chemistry at the university, man past
middle age, respected highly in the univer-
sity circle, is missing
An oppressive silence followed this re-
mark. BANDS sly eyes sought the pro-
fessors face. The older man sat staring at
his plate; then he raised his head, and the
round spectacles were turned full on Magce.
"You are very kind, said Professor Boil
ton evenly.
There is another story in this paper
went on Magee, glancing at the haberdasher,
that it seems to me | ought to taboo as
table talk at Baldpate Inn 1t relates that
a few days ago the youthful cashier of a
bank in small Pennsylvania town disap-
y banks funds. No." he concluded 1--WE are
simply here, Gentlemen, and | am very glad
to let it go at that"
Bland sneered knowingly. Il should
think YOU would bel" he said. "If you'll
turn that paper over you II read on the back
page that day before yesterday lot of ex-
pensive paintings in a New York million
aires house were cut from their frames, and
that the young artist who was dong re-
touching in the house at the time has been
Just careless enough not to send his address
to the police It's small matter, of course,
and the professor and will never mention it
again"
Magee threw back his head and laughed
heartily. 1--WE understand one another, it
seems" he said. 81 look forward to pleas
ant compapionship where | had expected
solitude You will excuse me now: there is
the work to which | referred. All, here's
Peters," he added as the hermit entered
through the dining room door at the side of
the stairs
"All finished, Gentlemen?7 he asked,
coming forward Nov, this IS solld com
fort. amt it, | reckon, when you get few
days of this, you'll all become hermits, and
, build yourselves shacks on the mountain
Solid comfort. No woman to make you put
on overshoes when you go out, or lecture
YOU about the effects of alcohol on the stom-
ach Heaven, call it,"
!. "Peters, said Magce, eve have been Won
dering if YOU will stay on here and cook for
us. We need you. How about it,
"Well I'll be glad to help you out the
hermit replied. al guess | can manage to
give satisfaction, seeing there amt no
women around. If there was | wouldn't
think of it. Yes, I'll stay and do what | can to
boost the hermit life in your estimation. /
LIE stopped. His eyes were on the dining
IL room door, toward which AIagee's back
was turned. The jaw of Peters fell, and his
mouth stood wide open. Behind the under
'.brush of beard very surprised face was
discernble.
Magee turned quickly. A few feet inside
the door stood the girl OF the station
weeping no more, but radiant with smiles.
Back OF her was the determined impossible
companion of yesterday.
ooh, Mama laughed the girl, "we're too
late for breakfast! Isn't it shame:'
BANDS lean hands went quickly to adjust
his purple tie. Professor Bolton looked
every inch the owl as he blinked in dazed
fashion at the blue corduroy vision. Gingery
Peters set down the plates he had taken from
the table. still ncgecting his open mouth.
Nagee rose from the table, and went for
ward with outstretchcd hand.
CHAPTER
The Mayor Casts 4 Shadow Before
FROM tears to smiles, said Magee, taking
the girls hand. "What worked the
transformation? Not the Commercial
House. know; for passed it last evening
mo. hardly the Commercial House"
laughed the girl. Rather the sunshine of a
winter morning, the brisk walk up the noun