Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-03-28

Before that gentleman realized what
had happened Magee had wrenched the
package from his hand. thrown him
back on the PROSTATE form OF the
highest Official OF Reuton and fed up
the steps. Quickly the stranger re
gained his feet and started in pursuit.
but he arrived at the great front door of
Baldpate inn just I'm time to hear the
lock click inside.
Safe for n moment behind n locked
door. Mr.. Magee paused to get his
breath The glory OF battle filed his
soul. Ii was not until long afterward
that he realized the battle had been a
mere scufiie in the dark.
with no thought for Mr.. Bland.
bound In his uneasy chair. Mr.. Magee
buried up the broad staircase OF Bald
pate. Now came the most gorgeous
scene OF ala fair haired lady; a
knight she had sent forth to battle; the
knight returned. You asked me to
bring you this. my lady" Business OF
surprise and joy on the lady's part
business also perhaps OF alteration for
the knight
At the right of the stairs lay II
and the lady. at the left n supposed
" uninhabited land As Mr.. Magee
reached the second floor. blithely pic
turing the scene I'm which he was to
play so satisfactory a part. he paused.
for halfway down the corridor TO the
left an open door threw faint light
into the hall. and in that light stood
woman he had never seen before. In
this order came Mr.. Magee's impress
sions OF her-fur coated. tail, dark.
handsome. with the naughty manner
of one engaging a chauffeur.
II beg your pardon" she said. but
are you by any chance Mr.. Magee"
The knight leaned weakly against
the wall and tried to think.
IL am he managed to say.
I'm so glad I've found you" replied
the girl It seemed to the daZed Ma
gee that her dark eyes were not overly
happy. Il cannot ask You in. I'm
afraid do not know the custom on
such an occasion. Does anybody? L
am alone with my maid. Hal Bent
ley. when 1 wrote to him for key to
this place. told me OF your being here
and said that l was to put myself un-
der your protection"
Delighted. I'm sure" be murmured-
81 shall not try to impose on you"
she went on. THE whole AFFAIR is so
unusual as to be almost absurd. 1
have come here TO get something
and I haven't the least idea how to
proceed. ! came because 1 must have
it-so much depends on it."
Prophetically Mr.. Magee clutched in
his pocket the package for which he
had done battle.
II may be too late" The girls eyes
grew wide. THAT would be terribly
! do not wish you to be
injured serving me- She lowered
her voice. But If there is any way
n which you can. help me-in this diff
iculty i can never be grateful |
enough. Downstairs in the safe there !
S. / believe. package containing a |
arge sum of money"
Mr. Magee's hand closed convulsive- |
Y in his pocket.
eff there is any way possible" said I
he girl. II must obtain that package. |
give you my word l have as much |
light to it as any one who will APP
YEAR Mt the inn. The honor and hap
ilneSS OF one VINO Is very uear 10 me
re involved"
With the eyes of a man in a dream
ir. Magee locked into the face OF the
ltest conner TO Baldpate.
Hal Bentley is an old friend and
'ully chap" he said. 1T will be a
reat pleasure to serve friend of
is He paused, congratulating him
elf that these were words. idle words.
When did you arrive. may L ask?"
II believe you were having dinner
Fhen I came" she answered. Mr..
'entley gave me key TO the kitchen
DOR. and we found n back stairway.
L wanted to see only you."
II repeat said Mr.. Magee. II shall
e happy to help you II can" His