Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-04-15

that they were perfectly all right"
Perhaps" replied the other. quit
unconvinced. But what honest mo
tive could she have? / am able To as
sign her no role in this little drama
Pardon me-" broke in Magee. ''but
would You mind telling me why Mis-:
Thornhill came up TO Baldpate TO joi1
in the chase for the packageE'
| Her motive" replied the professor
does her great credit. For several
years her father. Henry Thornhill. has
been forced through illness TO leave
! the management of the railways af-
fairs TO his vice president. Hayden.
Late yesterday the old man heard OF
this proposed bribe-on his sick bed.
He was very nearly insane at the
thought of the disgrace IL would bring
upon him.. He tried to rise himself
and prevent the passing of the pack
age. His daughter. a brave. loyal girl.
herself undertook the task"
Then" said Mr.. Magee. Miss
Thornhill is not distressed at the loss
OF the most important evidence in the
case"
Il have explained the matter to her"
returned Professor Bolton. There is
=
name will be implicated"
Did Miss Thornhill and Kendrick
meet for the first time after his exile
upstairs-in No. ~" Mr.. Magee wanted
TO know.
Yes" answered Professor Bolton.
I'm one Of his letters long ago Hayden
told Kendrick he was engaged TO the
girl. Ii was the last letter Kendrick
received from him"
There was a pause.
The important point now" the old
man went On lis the identity OF this
girl to whom you have made your
princely gift out of the goodness of
your young heart. 1 propose TO speak
TO the woman she has introduced as
her mother and elicit what information
I can"
He crossed the floor. followed by Mr.
Magee, and stood by the wOman's
chair. She looked up. her eyes heavy
with sleep, her appearance more taw-
dry than ever I'm that faint light.
Madam" remarked the professor.
with the air OF Judge trying a case.
your daughter has tonight made her
escape from this place with a large
attorney of ReutOn county.
In the name OF the law I command
you to tell me her destination and
what she proposes to DO with that
package of greenbacks."
The woman blinked stupidity in the
dusk.
"She amt my daughter" she replied.
and Mr.. Magee's heart Ieaped up. ii
can tell you that much / keep n
boarding house in Reuton. and Miss
the girl you speak abOut-has been my
boarder for three years. She brought
me up here as a sort OF chaperon.
though I don't see as I'm old enough
for that yet. You don't get nothing
else out OF me, except that she is !
perfectly lovely young woman and |
your money couldn't be safer with the
president Of the United States"
Mr.. Magee could have emDraced this |
faded woman for her news. He look
ID at his watch. 1t was 1920.
The siege is over he cried. 81
,haII not attempt TO direct your actions
my longer. Mr.. Peters, will you please
20 down TO the village and bring back
.fr. Quimby and-the coroner:
THE coroner" The mayor of Reu-
on Jumped TO his feet. 81 don't want
o he in on any inquest scene Come
N, Max, let's get out OF here
Bland stood up. His face was white
nd worried. His gay plumage no
onger set the tone for his mood
II think I'll go. too" he announced
ooking hopefully at Magee.
I'm no longer your jailer." Magee
aid. Professor. these gentlemen are
our witnesses. Do you wish to de-
ain them?"
"See here" cried the mayor angTfly.
there amt no question but that you
an ind me IN Reuton any time you
amt me at the little room on Main
rect ANYBODY can tell you my
ours. The doors always open-to any
sformer that has the nerve 20 climb
,e stairs. Look me up there. I'll
AXE IL interesting for you"
'I certainly SHALL" the professor re
lied, land very soon. Until then you
iay-go when and where you please
Thanks sneered the mayor. IN
rpect you. I'll be ready. I've had TO
at ready TO answer your kind before.
GU think you got me. ell? Well.
pure fool 10 think thnt. As Tor
rayton. the pup. the yellow streaked
no. I'll talk 10 Mr.. Drayton when 1
Il back to Reuton."
Before you go. Bland remarked
agee. smiling. 81 want 20 ask about
"a bella be-e did you get herr
some OF it>appened 10 a friend or
inc" the e1-6SSerdasher answered.
! friend that keeps clothing store.
got this suit there changed the
DRY here and there"
Mr.. Magee laughed. but over the
ng lean face OF Bland not the ghost
a smile fitted. He was frightened
rough and through.
You're a fine bunch" sneered Mr.
az. "Reformers, Ell? Well. you'll
4 what the rest OF 'em always got. Y
ell tie you up in knots and leave b
Of grrhun . a.