Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-03-28

orial triumphs Of Baldpate's gay sum-
mer people, came the tall handsome
girl who had the night before set all
his plans awry In the swift-moving
atmosphere of the inn she had hitherto
been to Mr.. Magee but puppet OF the
shadows, a figure more fictitious than
real. Now for the first time he looked
upon her as hesh-and-bloOd girl,
noted the red in her olive cheeks, the
, fire in her dark eyes, and realized that
her interest in that package of money
might be something more than another
queer quirk in the tangle Of events.
She smiled a friendly smile at Ma
gee, and took the chair he offered. One
small slipper beat a discreet tattoo on
the polished floor of Baldepate's Office
! Again she suggested to Billy Magee
! house of wealth and warmth and lux
ury, house where Arnold Bennett
and the post-impressionists are often
discussed, house the head of which
becomes purple and apoplectic at the
mention of Colonel Roosevelt's name.
Last night, Mr.. Magee,'' she said, II
told you frankly why I had come to
Baldpate Inn. You were good enough
to say that you would help me n you
could. The time has come when you
can, think"
"Yes?" answered Magee. His heart
sank. What now?
! II must confess that I spied this
morning." she went on. EFT was rude
of me, perhaps. But I think almost
anything is excusable under the cir
cumstances, don't you? I witnessed
scene in the hall above-Mr. Magee,
know who has the two hundred thous-
and dollars!"
"You know" cried Magee His
heart gave great bound. At last.
And then-he stopped. "I'm afraid
must ask you not to tell me- he added
sadly.
The girl looked at him In wonder.
She was of type common In Magee's
world-delicate fnely-reared, sensi-
tive. True, in her pride and haughti-
ness she suggested the snow-capped
heights of the eternal hills. But at
sight of those feminine heights Billy
Masee had always been one to seize
his alpenstock in more determined
grip, and climb. Witness his attentions
to the supurb Helen Faulkner. He had
a moment of faltering. Here was
girl who at least did not doubt him,
who ascribed to him the virtues of a
gentleman. who was glad to trust in
him. Should he transfer his allegl-
ance? No, he could hardly do that
now.
"You ask me not to tell YOU" re-
peated the girl slowly.
THAT demands an explanation re-
piled Billy Magee. 81 want you to
understanding be certain that would
delight to help you if could. But the
fact is that before you came l gave
my word to secure the package you
speak Of for-another woman. l can
not break my promise to her"
1 see," she answered. Her tone was
cool
I'm very sorry" Magee went on.
"But as a matter of fact, seem to be
of very little service to any one. Just
now would give a great deal to have
the Information you were about to
give me- But since could not use 1t
helping you, you will readily see that
must not listen. I'm sorry
I'm sorry, too" replied the girl.
Thank you very much-for telling me.
Now must-go forward-alone."
She smiled unhappily.
I'm afraid you must answered
Billy Magee.
On the stairs appeared the slim fig
ure Of the other girl Her great eyes
were wistrul. her face was pale. She
came toward them through the red
freight. Nj. Magee saw what fool
he had been to Waver in his allegi-
ance even for moment. For he loved
her, wanted her, surely. The snow
capped heights are inspiring, but far
more companionable is the brook that
sparkles In the valley.
cts rather dull, isn't it?" asked
Miss Norton of the Thornhil girl. BY
the side of the taller woman she
seemed slight, almost childish. Have
you seen the pictures of the admiral,
Miss Thornhill? Looking at them is
our one diversion"
81 do not care to see them, thank
you" Myra Thornhill replied moving
toward the stairs. "He is very dear
friend of my father" She passed up
and out of sight.
Miss Norton turned away from the
fire. and Mr. Magee rose hastily to
follow He stood close behisd her,
gazing at her golden hair simmer
ing in the dark.
1--WE just been thinking" he said
lightly, what an absolutely ridiculous
figure must be in your eyes, buzzing
round and round like bee in a bottle,
and getting nowhere, at all. Listen
no one has left the inn. While they
stay, there's hope Am I not to have
one more chance-a chance to prove
to you how much I care?"
She turned and even in the dusk
he saw that her eyes were wet.
ooh. I don't know, don't know
she whispered. I'm not angry any
more I'm just-at sea. I don't know
what to think-what to do. Why try
any longer? I think I'll 60 away-and
give up"
"You mustn't do that" urged Ma
gee. They came back into the fire.
light Miss Thornhill has just in
formed me that she knows who has
the PACKAGE"
Indeed" said the girl calmly, but
her face had flushed.
81 didn't let her tell me. of course
"Why not ?"Oh, how maddening