Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1914-04-21
CHAPTER XII.
The Cold Gray Dawn.

CHAPTER XII.
The Cold Gray Dawn.
r. IT was still quite dark when he
I'LL awoke with a start. In the
blackness he could make out
~ figure standing 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, sit
ting up In bed.
For answer the intruder sprane
through the door and disappeared In
the darkness of the outer room. Mr.
Magee followed. One OF his windows
slammed back and forth In the wind
Slipping on q dressing gown and light
ing a candle, he made an investga
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
OH his shoes he added a greatcoat to
his equipment. took 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
the west WIS q 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 frcm candle held
by some one in the doorway whom
Mr.. Magee could not see fell full upon
his face-the bespectacIed, wise face
of Professor Thaddeus Bolton.
Better luck next time," said the
professor.
Keep an eye on him." said the
voice from inside. III he tries to leave
the inn there'll be big row. We
must be in ON it-and win"
"I imagine" said Professor Bolton
smiling his academic smile, that the
inmates Of Baldpate will make tomor'
row q rather interesting day for him.
1T will be an interesting day FOL
every one," answered the voice.
"If / should manage to secure the
package by any chance" the professor
went on, II shall undoubtedly need
your help in getting away with 1t. Let
US arrange q signal. Should n window
of my room be open ut any time to-
morrow you will know the money Is In
my hands,
every good, replied the other. Good
highland good luck"
The old man moved or 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. Z. 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 eviden,
fright out upon the balcony.
"It's-it's wonderful night" he
said. 81 was out for little walk on
the balcony enjoying 1t. Seeing your
open window l was afraid
"The night you speak so highly Of
replied Mr.. Magee. ''is at your left
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 knife unlOosed a
lrick. 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-rve
got the ball." he repeated, with q
smile. And. safe In this thought be
closed his eyes and slumbered.
The gayest knight must have morn.
ing after. Mr.. Magee awakened to his
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.
"Well, young fellow" he remarked
1T seems to ME It was time you got
up and faced the responsibilities OF
the day. First Of W! ich, l may men
ton, is q 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 60 in for kid
gloves and diplomacy this morning
It's my experience that when you're
dealing with man who's got the goot
old Irish name Of Magee it's best Il
hit first and debate afterward."
ELL used you roughly, Mr.. Car
eapr said Magee.
mo debate. mind you." protested th'
mayor. Lou and me are making thii
morning call to inquire after a lttl'
package that went astray somewher'
last night There's two courses opel
to you-hand over the package or le
us take Il. I'll give you q dp-th'