Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1913-12-22
Seuen Keys to Baldpate
BY EARL DERR BIGCERS
Copyright by Bobbs-M Merrill Coz

implication In this attempt at brib-
cry? l ask your advice. Mr.. Magee.'
my advice" returned Magee, rs
that you befuddle no pompous little
village doctor with the complication
of this unhappy tale. No, let the
story be that Hayden killed himself
as the tolls closed in on him-the
tolls of the law that Furnishes
the bride giver-now and then
and occasionally. Mr.. Kendrick,
you have my deepest sympathy.
Is 1t too much for me to hope" he
glanced across the room to where
Myra Thornhill sat beside the pro-
fessor-"that the best of your life is
yet to come-that out of the wreck
this man made of 1t you may yet be
happy
Kendrick smiled
"You are very kind" he said.
Twice we have met and battled in
the snow, and do not hold 1t against
you that both times you were the
victor. Life in a tropic town, Mr..
Magee, is not exactly a muscle build
ing experience. Once 1 might have
given the whole proceeding a differ
ent turn. Yes, Miss Thornhill has
waited for NEAL these years-wait-
ed, believing. 1t is loyalty of which
/ can not speak without-you under
stand. She knows why went away
why l stayed away She is still ready
to marry me. / shall go again into
the Suburban office and try to life the
road from the muck into which 1t has
fallen. Yes, 1t Is not too much for me
to hope-and for you in your kind
ness-that a great happiness is still
for me-"
Believe me. I'm glad" replied Ma
gee with youthful enthusiasm, hold
ing out his hand I'm sorroy
spoiled your little game up here.
but"
"I understand" smiled Kendrick.
81 think none the less of you for what
you have done. And who knows? 1t
may turn out to have been the wisest
course after all"
All. would IT? Mr.. Magee walked to
the window, pondsring on the odd
tangle of events that had not yet been
completely Strengthened out. Certain
ly her eyes were an honest blue as
well as a beautiful--but who was she?
Where was she? The great figure OF
Mrs. Norton stirred restlessly near
at hand; the pulled lids of her eyes
opened.
MIR. Magee," she said, when she
had made out his figure by the win
daw, you've been a true friend, as /
who ought to have been at home by
their own firesides, and I'm going to
ask one more favor of you. Find out
when the next train goes to Reuton,
and see that I'm at the station an
hour or two before 1t pulls out"
"I'll do that, Mrs. Norton" smiled
Magee. by the way, is Norton the
manner"
YES" answered the woman, that's
my name. OF course, 1t amt hers.
1 can't tell that"
EMO matter said Mr.. Magee,
she'll probably change 1t soon. Can't
you tell me something about her
| Just a tiny bit of information. Just
picture of where she is now, and
what she's doing with that small for
tune I gave her."
Where is she now?" repeated Mrs.
Norton. "She's home and in bed in
my second floor front, unless she's
gone clear crazy. And that's where
| I wish was this minute--in bed
though it's a question in my mind
IL I'll ever be able to sleep again.
what with the uproar and confusion
my house Is probably in by this time,
leaving It In charge of a scatter
Drained girl. Norton always used to
say if you want thing done. right.
do Il yourself, and though he didn't
always live up to the sentiment v q
ting me- % most thinsg heers i've