The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1914-09-05


telephone with Cornish. Farndale had
consulted with Darlington. and tDey
had decided TO take Harcourt's family
physician into their confidence. Con-
sequently, DR.. Maybrooke was with
them in the motor when they met
Cornish at the little village hotel To
the townsfolk who hung about the lit
tie inn, there was nothing unusual in
the meeting. and over their luncheon
in the public room, the four men made
their plans without interruption.
And now, having accomplished their
purpose, they dined with perfect sat
isfaction at the hunting lodge, while
Harcourt lay in bed in the little attic
room overhead, safe from the discov-
cry of any chance visitor. Quarters
had also been fitted up for Adele and
Cornish on the top floor. as IL had
been decided best for them to remain
out Of sight in case strangers hap
pened in. Only Sir Henry's servants
and his chauffeur were aware Of the
guests at the lodge, and as there was
no house within several miles, they
felt reasonably secure against prying
eyes.
DR.. May brooke had Immediately eX-
amined Harcourt with the greatest
care, and had reported fayorably upon
his condition At first he had seemed
bit puzzled over the injured mans
condition. but after working with him
for more than an hour, the physician
had come down to dinner with sat
isfed air.
In spite of the gaiety they felt over
their success thus far each of them
felt strangely troubled, and strove as
best they might to keep their indi-
vidual fears from the others. Nev-
ertheless. the unexpected appearance
of MacBee in the neighborhood had
set them all thinking, and il was the
unexplained presence Of some other
mysterious danger that kept their
nerves at the highest pitch.
AS soon as the meal was over,
Adele hurried upstairs to see how her
patient Jared, and after a cigarette,
the doctor followed with Cornish. Sir
Harry and Darlington remained at the
table smoking quietly. each busy with
his own thoughts, Darlington, in
spite of his anxiety, was supremely
happy at seeing Adele again, and at
the first opportunity he meant to tell
her af the fact
Ii was quite dark now, and finding
II warm inside, the two men stepped
out on the long low yeranda that ran
around three sides OF the lodge.
"Dicky." Sir Harry said. as he
pulled at his cigar thoughtfully. I'm
wondering IL I've been foolish"
How SOL"
"Sir Thomas and Grace are coming
up tomorrow. or course | told them
all about il before we left, and as
soon as she learned that Harcourt
was injured, she absolutely insisted
upon seeing him"
81 don't know" Darlington an
swered hesitatingly. 1T can't do any
harm that | can see Marston's com
| ing would be natural enough, and
| there's nothing to excite suspicion in
her running up for few days. Nat
|
If he is in physical danger too"
Suddenly a loud putting broke the
stiffness of the evening and the two
men sprang out into the roadway
What the DEVIL" Farndale OK
claimed, and in another moment the
lights of a big automobile silhouetted
their figures sharply against the lodge
wall. The car drew up with a grind
ing OF brakes, coming to a standstill
within few feet of the house
who's there?" Sir Harry called
out, trusting that the noise of the
cars arrival would warn those up
stairs TO keep out OF sight Caring.
ton looked up carelessly as though
looking at the sky, and noted with sat.
isfaction that the little attic window
was dark. lie was sure, however,
that someone was standing behind the
blinds looking out and listening at
the open easement
The throbbing of the motor ceased
with a final rumble, and figure in a
long gray coat and cap leaped out OF
the machine. Pulling off his goggles
the man came quickly toward them
1T Is / MacBee," he answered
stepping into the light from the door
way
For a moment the two men stood
petrihed. gazing silently at the de-
tectiye Then, Sir Harry, recovering
his poise in an instant extended his
hand and greeted the inspector cor
daily This is a surprise" he said
with a smile "Dicky and / only ar.
rived couple OF hours ago ourselves
Have you had dinner"
Frankly, | haven't" said MacBee
And if your question can be con.
strued as an invitation, | shall be de.
lighted TO accept It,"
by all means" said sir Harry, his
heart falling although he concealed
his annoyance successfully, as he led
the way into the dining room. No