The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-03-06

SI111 CA6I0.
 s'what do want?'' he asked. sit ting up in bed.
 For 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 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. /
 Sleepfly, MT. Magee procured the precious package and put it in the pocket Of his gown. Then drawing on his shoes he added greatcoat to his equipment, took a candle and went out on to 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 ghe west was a rather unloveIy annex to the main building, which increas- ing patronage had made necessary MT. Magee made his way to the door of the annex It was locked. But as he turned away he heard voices on the other side.
 Mr. Magee had barely enough time to eEtinguish 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 a candle held by some one in the doorway whom Mfr. Magee could not see fell full upon his face-the bespectacIed, wise face of Professor Thadt1eus Bolton
 Better luck next Hme," said the professor.
 ssKeep an eye on him." said the vofce from inside. eff he tries to leave the inn there'n be big row. We must be in on it-aAd win"
 ssI imagine,'' said Professor Bolton, smiling his academic smile, that the inmates of Baldpate will make tomor- row rather interesting day for him. 7 sIt will be an interesting day for every one," answered the voice.
 Eff I should manage to secure the package by any chance,'' the professor went on, T shall undoubtedly need your help in getting away with it. Let us arrange signal Should a 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 1uck-"
 The old man moved off down the passageway. A After him crept Mir. Magee. He fol- | lowed the professor to the east bal cony and saw hinn pause at the open | window of No. T. There the old man looked slyIy about, as though in doubt l He peered into the room and one foot was across the sill when Mir. Magee l came up and touched him on the arm l Professor Bolton 1eaped in evident fright utkupon the balcony. l 'sHts-itaS a wonderful night, he said sII was out for little walk on l the balcony enjoying it. Seeing youz open window was afraid"- .sThe night you speak so highly of, 2 | replied Mr. Magee, ifs at your left You have lost your way. Good night I professor He stepped inside and closed the window. Then he pulled down the curtains in both rooms of his suit and spent some time exploding Finally l he paused before the fireplace, ant
 with the aid of a knife unloosed g brick. Under this he placed the pack age of money, removing the traces oz has act as best he could
 | ~They can't play without me-Fys l got the baH'' he repeated, with : I smile. And, safe in this thought, he closed his eyes and sIunnbered- 1 The gayes9 knight must have a-morn I ing after Mr. Magee awakened to his to find suit 2 wrapped again in its favoEite polar atmosphere. Filling the door leading to the outer room, he be held the cause of his awakening-th mayor of Reuton- MT. Cargan regard ed him with the cold steeIy eye of 2 Dfsraeh in action, but when he spoke he opened the jaws of a cocktail ! mixer.
 Well, young fellow he remarked <sit seems to me it was time you got up and faced the responsibilities o1 the day. First of which, may men ton, is a little talk with me"
 He stepped into the room, ani through the doorway he vacated MT Max came sinking The unloveIy fac. of the foe of suspicion was badly bruised, and he looked upon the work with no cheerful eye
 "You used us pretty rough last nigh in the snow Cargan went on. That
 why ain't disposed to go in for kit
 gloves and diplomacy this morning
 It's my experience that when your.
 dealing with a man who's got the goot
 old Irish name of Magee it's best t,
 hit first and debate afterward."
 Fl used you roughly, MT. Car
 gan?' said Magee.
 'fNo debate, mind you,'' protested tn
 mayor. Lou and me are making thi
 morning call to inquire after a httl
 package that went astray somewher
 last night There's two courses opel
 to you-hand over the package or le
 US take it. I'll give you a up-th
 first is the best. If we have to take
 we might get real rough in our ae
 tions.''
 MT Max slipped closer to the bed
 an ugly look on his face. The mayo