Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-03-24

New York. He wondered what they
would say if they could see him now,
whirling about in a queer romance
not of his own writing-he who had
come to Ealdpate Inn to get away
from mere~romancfng and look into
mems hearts, philosopher. He
laughed out loud.
Tomorrow is another day" he re.
Elected ''I'll solve this whole thing
then. They can't 90 on playing with
out me-I've got the ball"
He took the package from his
pocket. Its seals had already been
broken. Untying the strings, he be-
gan carefully to unwrap the paper
the thick yellow banking manila, and
then the oiled inner wrapping. So
finally he opened up the solid mass OF
What? He looked closer. Crisp,
beautiful. one thousand dollar bills.
Whew! He had never seen a bill OF
this size before. And here were two
hundred Of them.
He wrapped the package up once
more, and prepared for bed. Just as
he was about to retire, he remembered
Mr.. Bland, bound and gagged below.
He went into the hall with the idea
of releasing the unltcky haberdasher,
but from the office rose the voices
Of the mayor. Max, and Bland him
self. Peace, evidently. had been de-
clared between them. Mr.. Magee re-
turned to numbf seven, locked all the
windows, placed the mueh-souaht pack
age beneath his pillow. and after
half-hour of puzzling and tossing, tel!
It was still quite dark when he
awoke with start. In the blackness
he could make out q 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.
sitting 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 dressing gown and
lighting a candle. he made an 1nvesti-
CATION The gless above the lock had
been broken. Outside, In the new 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 q greatecoat to his
equipment took candle, and went
out on to the balcony. r., 49,
The storm had increased: the snow
Hurried and clustered: the windows
of Baldpate Inn ratified wildly all
about. It was difficult to keep the can
die burning in that wind. Mr.. Magee
followed the footprints along the east
side of the inn to the corner. then
along the east side On the west was
o rather un,ovely annex to the main
building. which increasing patronage
had made necessary. 1t was connect
ed with the Inn by covered passage
way from the second floor balcony.
A, the entrance t. this rassagewny
the footprints: stopped.
Ent ering the dark passasewny. Mr..
Magee made his way to the door ct the
annex. He tried 1t. It was locked.
But as he turned away. he heard
voices on the other side. 49,.
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 pasageway. 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 hespectacled wise face OF
Professor Thaddeus Bolton.
Better luck next time" said the
professor.
Keep an eve on him. said the
voice from inside. '1f he tries to
leave the inn ther'll be big row. We
must be In on it-and win"
81 imagine said Professor Bolton,
smiling his academic smile, that the
inmates Of Baldpate will make otmor-
row a rather interesting day for him.
1T will be an interesting day for
every one" answered the voice.
"rf should manage to secure the
package, by any chance" the professor
went on. ~ shall undoubtedly need
your help in getting away with 1t. Let
lis arrange a signal. Should a window
of my room be open at any time to-
morrow. you will know the money is
in nv hands," a
VERY good" replied the other.
Good highland good luck"
"The same to you answered Prof
eSSOr Bolton. Inc door was ClOoeu,
and the old man moved Off down the
passageway.
After him creDt Mr. Magee. He
followed the professor to the east bal
cony. and saw him pause at the open
window of number seven. There the
old man looked shyly about, as though
In doubt. FIe peered into the room
and one foot was across the sill when
Mr. Magee came up and touched him
on the arm
Professor Bolton leaned in evident
fright out upon the balcony.
"Tts--it's a wonderful night he
said. "V was out for @ little walk on
the balcony enjoying it. Seeing your
omen window. 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 th'
window. Then he pulled down thu
curtains in both rooms Of his suitX
and spent some time exploring. Fina'N
he paused before the fireplace, ann
with the aid Of knife unloosened a
brick. Under this he placed the pack
age Of money, removing the traces OF
his act as best he could.
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