Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1914-03-13
CHAPTER XII.
The Cold, Gray Dawr.

he could make out nSure stanuins
by the side of his bed. He put his
hand quickly beneath his pillow-the
package was still there.
What do you want?" he asked
sitting up in bed.
For an answer the intruder sprang
through the door and disappeared In
the darkness of the outer room. MT.
Magee followed. One Of his windows
slammed back and forth in the wind.
Slipping on a dressing gown and light
ing a candle, he made an inVestiga-
ton. The glass above the lock had
been broken. outside, in the snow on
the balcony, were recent footprints.
Sleepily, Mr.. Magee procured the
precious package and put 1t In the
pocket of his gown. Then drawing
on his shoes he added great coat to
his euuipment, took candle and
went out on the balcony.
Mr.. Magee followed the footprints
along the east side of the inn to the
corner, then along the more sheltered
rear and finally to the west side. ON
the west was a rather unlovely annex
TO the main building. which increas-
ing patronage had made necessary
Mr.. Magee made his way to the door
of the annex. 1t was locked. But as
he turned away he heard voices on
the other side.
Mr.. Magee had barely enough time
to extinguish his candle and slip into
the shadows of the corner. The door
of the annex opened. A man stepped
out into the passageway. He stood
there. The light from candle held
by some one in the doorway whom
Mr.. Magee could not see fell full upon
his face-the bespectacled, wise face
of Professor Thaddeus Bolton.
Better luck next time" said the
professor.
Keep an eye on him." said the
voice from inside. IF he tries to
leave the inn therell be a big row.
We must be in on it-and win"
IL imagine" said Professor Bolton,
smiling his academic smile, that the
inmates of Baldpate will make tomor-
row a rather interesting day for him.
1T will be an interesting day for
every one" answered the voice.
IF l should manage TO secure the
package by any chance" the professor
went on. 1T shall undoubtedly need
Your help in getting away with it. Let
us arrange signal. Should window
of my room be open at any time to-
morrow you will know the money is
in my hands"
Very good" replied the other
Good highland good luck"
The old man moved off down the
passageway.
After him crept Mr.. Magee. He fol-
lowed the professor TO the east bal
cony and saw him pause at the open
window of No. :. There the old man
looked slyly about, as though in doubt.
He peered into the room and one foot
was across the sill when Mr.. Magee
came up and touched him on the arm.
Professor Bolton leaped in evident
fright out upon the balcony.
..It's-it's a wonderful night, he
said Il was out for little walk on
the balcony enjoying it. Seeing your
open window was afraid
The night you speak so highly OF,
replied Mr.. Magee, lis at your LETT.
You have lost your way. Good night
professor"
He stepped inside and closed the
window. Then he pulled down the
curtains in both rooms of his suit and
spent some time exploring. Finally
he paused before the fireplace, and
with the aid of a knife unloosed a
brick. Under this he placed the pack
age Of money, removing the traces of
his act as best he could.
They can't play without me-Tve
got the ball." he repeated, with
smile. And, safe in this thought. he
closed his eyes and slumbered.
The gayest night must have a morn
ing after Mr.. Magee awakened to his
and TO find suit wrapped again In its
favorite polar atmosphere. Filling the
door leading to the outer room, he be-
held the cause of his awakening-the
mayor Of Reuton. Mr.. Cargan regard
ed him with the cold steely eye of a
Disraeli in action, but when he spoke
he opened the jaws of a cocktail
mixer.
We'll. young fellow" he remarked,
lit seems to me it was time you got up
and faced the responsibilities of the
day. First of which, 1 may mention,
is Il little talk with me-"
He stepped into the room, and
through the doorway he vacated Mr..
Max came Sinking. The unlovely face
Of the foe of suspicion was badly
bruised, and he looked upon the world
with no cheerful eye.
You used us pretty rough last night
in the SNOW" Cargan went on. That's
why / amt disposed to go in for kid
gloves and diplomacy this morning.
It's my experience that when you're
dealing with a man who's got good
old Irish name Of Magee it's best to
hit first and debate afterward."
II used you rough. Mr.. Car
gam" said Magee.
NO debate. mind you," protested
the mayor. Lou and me are making
this morning call TO inquire after Il
little package that went astray some
where last night. There's two courses
open to you-hand over the package
or let us take it. I'll give you tip
the first is the best. If we have to
take it we might get real rough in our
actions
Mr.. Max slipped closer to the bed,
an ugly look on his face. The mayor
glared fixedly into Magee's eyes. The
knight who fought for fair ladies in
the snow lay on his pillow and con-
sidered briefly.
Il get what l go after" remarked
Cargan emphatically.
Yes" spared Magee, but the real
point is keeping what you get after