Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-04-08

man who started all this fuss over q
little word" Mr.. Cargan reminded
them.
That's right, dearie." said Mrs. Nor
ton. You got to contribute"
Yes" agreed the girl with the locks
crisped like golden wire, II will, but
it's hard Ones ideas change so rap
idly. A moment ago If you had said
! romance to me l might have babbled
of shady corners, of whisperings on
the stair, Of walks down the mountain
in the moonlight or even on the hotel
balcony" She smiled gayly at Magee-
Perhaps tomorrow. too, the word
might mean such rapturous things to
me- But tonight-life is too real and
earnest tonight. Service-Professor
Bolton was right-service is often TO
nance. 1t may mean the discovery of
a serum-it may mean SO cruel thing
as the blighting of another's life ro-
nance" She gaZed steadily at the
stolid Cargan. 1T may mean putting
an end forever TO those picturesque
parades past the window Of the little
room on Main street.-the room where
the boys can always find the mayor of
Reuton."
Still she gazed steadily into Cargan's
eyes. And with an amused smile the
mayor gazed back.
You wouldn't be so cruel as that"
he assured her easily; "a nice, attrac-
tive girl like YOU
The dinner was at an end. Without
a word the sly little professor rose
from the table and hurriedly assembled
the stairs. Mr.. Magee watched him
disappear and resolved to follow quick
iy on his heels. But first he paused
to give his own version of the word
under discussion.
strange he remarked, that none
of you gets the picture l do. Romance
it is here-at your feet in Baldpate
inn. A man climbs the mountain to
be alone with his thoughts. to forget
the melodrama of life, to get away
from the swift action of the world and
mediate. He is alone for very near
an hour Then a telephone bell tin
kles and a youth rises out of the dark
to prate of a lost Arabella and haber-
dashery A shot rings out. as the i'm
memorial custom with shots, and in
comes a professor of comparative lit
erature. with perfora ton in his der
by hat. A professional hermit arrives
to teach the amateur the fine points
of the game. A charming maid comes
in-toO late for brea kfaSt-but in -plen-
ty of time for walks on the balcony in
the moonlight. The mayor of a mu-
nicipality condescends to stay for din
ner. A battle in the snow ensues.
There is weird talk ola sum of
re orr-iu no
hints of a seventh key. Why, bless
you. you needn't stir from Baldpate
inn in search OF your romance"
He crossed the floor hastily and put
one foot on the lower step of Bald
pate's grand stairway. He kept it
there. For from the shadows of the
landing Professor Bolton emerged. his
blasted derby once more on his head,
his overcoat buttoned tight. his ear
muffs in place. his travelling bag and
green umbrella in tow.
What. professor" cried Magee.
you're leaving:"
Now. truly. the end of the drama
had come. Mr.. Magee felt his heart |
beat wildly.
Yes the old man was saying slow /
ly. Il am about to leave. The deci- |
sion came suddenly. l am sorry to |
go. Certainly l have enjoyed these |
chance meetings"
See here. Doc" said Mr.. Bland. I'M |
easily feeling of his purple tie. you're /
not going back and let them reporters !
have another fling at you?''
Il fear 1 must replied the old man. ,
MY duty calls. Yes, they will hound !
ME. l shall hear much Of peroxide
blends. / shall be asked again to name /
the ten greatest in history-a difficult,
not TO say dangerous task. But l must I
face the-er-music, as the vulgar ex-
preston goes. L bid you goodby. Mr..
Bland. We part friends. am sure"
He turned to Magee.
II regret more than I can say" he
continued. parting from you. My
yes fell upon you first on entering
his place We have had exciting times
ogether. My dear Miss Norton. know
ng you has refreshed an old mans
leart. might compare YOU TO auoth-
II with yellow locks. but l leave that
% my younger-er-colleagu Mr..
oodby. My acquaintance
nth you l shall always look back
m
But the mayor of Reuton, Max and
Bland closed in on the old man.
Now, look here, Doc" interrupted
'argan. You're blutiing. DO You get
ne? You're trying to put something
vcr. | don't want TO be rough. | like
ou. But | got to get a glimpse at the
inside of that satchel. And | got TO
Xamine your personal makeup IA bit"
Dear. dear"' smiled Professor Boil
ON. You don't think l would teal