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

blackness he could make out
- a 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. sit
ting up in bed.
For answer the intruder sprang
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 a dressing gown and light
ing n candle. he made an investiga-
ton. The glass above the lock had
been broken. Outside. in the snow on
the balcony. were recent footprints.
Sleepily, Mr.. Magee procured the
precious package and put it in the
pocket OF his gown Then drawing
on his shoes he added a greatcoat to
his equipment. took candle and went
out on to the balcony.
Mr.. Magee followed the footprirfeS
along the east side of the inn TO the
corner. then along the more sheltered
rear and finally to the west side. On
the west was n rather unloveiy annex
TO the main building. which increas-
ing patronage had made necessary.
Mr.. Magee made his way to the door
of the annex. 1t was locked. But as
he turned away he heard voices on
the other side.
Mr.. Magee had barely enough time
to extinguish his candle and slip into
the shadows OF the corner. The door
OF the annex opened \ man stepped
out into the passaGeway. He stood
there. The light from a candle held
by some one i'll the doorway whom
Mr.. Masee could not see fell full upon
his face-the bespectacled. wise face
of Professor Thaddeus Bolton
Better luck next time" said the
professor.
Keep an eye on him. said the
voice from inside. If he tries to leave
the inn there'll be big row. We
must be in on it-and win"
II imagine" said Professor Bolton.
smiling his academic smile. that the
inmates of Baldpate will make tomor-
row a rather interesting day for him."
ut will be an interesting day for
every one" answered the voice.
IF l should manage to secure the |
package by any chance" the professor
went on, 81 shall undoubtedly need |
your help in getting away with it. Let
rs arrange a signal. Should a window |
Of my room be open at any time to- !
you will know the, money is in |
my hands,
VERY good" replied the other. Good
highland good luck"
The old man moved off down the
After him crept Mr.. Magee. He fol-
owed the professor to the east bal
,ony and saw him pause at the open
window of No. Z. There the old man
ooked slyly about. as though in doubt.
He peered into the room and one foot
vas across the sill when Mr.. Magee
anne up and touched him on the arm.
Professor Bolton leaped in evident
right out upon the balcony.
lists wonderful night" he
aid. II was out for a little walk on
he balcony enjoying II. Seeing your
pen window l was afraid
The night you speak SO highly Of"
eplied Mr.. Magee. 'Is at your left
-ou have lost your way. Good night.
rofessor."
He stepped inside and closed the
Tindow. Then he pulled down the ,
urtains in both rooms OF his suit and
pent some time exploring. Finally
Q paused before the fireplace. and ,
nth the aid OF a knife Embossed
rick. Under this he placed the pack !
sc OF money. removing the traces OF
Is act as best he could. !
They can't play without me-Tve
ot the ball." be repeated. with a 4
nile. And. safe in this thought. he ,
osed his eyes and slumbered. I
The gayest knight must have n morn !
g after. Mr.. Magee awakened TO his {
} find suit Z wrapped AGAIN in its h