The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-03-11
CHAPTER XVI. 5

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 LAND and Max came in from 8 D brisk walk on the vefanda. 1EA The mayor of Reuton, who
 had been dozing near the desk, stirred.
 Miss Norton rose and ascended the stairs. Sdll the protesting Magee WAS at her heels. At the head of the stairs she turned.
 You shall have your final chance she said. The mayor, Max and Bland of eavesdrcpping at Baldpate in the summer. It has spoiled lot of per fectly adorable engagements. But in winter it's different. Whether you really want to help me or not Pm sure I don't know, but if you do the con yersafion below now might prove of interest. z
 epm sure it would, 7 Magee agreed.
 Well, have scheme. Listen Baldpate inn is located in a temper ance county That doesn't mean that people don't drink here. It simply means that there's a lot of mystery and romance connected with the drink ing. Sometimes those who follow the god of chance in the card room late at night grow thirsty. Now, 1t happens that there is g Hapdoor in the floor Of the card room, up which drinks are frequently passed from the cellar. Isn't that excitingg A hotel clerk who became human once in my presence told me all about it If you went into the cellar and hunted about you might find that door and climb up into the card room"
 A bully iaea, 2 agreed MT Magee- stPH hurry down there this minute. I'm more grateful than you can guess for this chance. And this tipae-bu you'll see,s
 Magee hurried to the cellar and with the aid of box of matches found a ladder leading to door cut in the floor above. He climbed through dust and cobwebs, unfastened the catch and pushed cautiously upward. In an other minute he was standing in the chill little card room. Softly he open ed the card room door about half an inch and put his ear to it..
 The three men were grouped very close at hand and he heard MT. Bland speaking in low tones
 I'm talking to you boys as a friend. The show is over. There ain't no use hanging around for the concert there won't De none. Go home and get some clean collars and square meals
 If you think I'm going to be shook off by any faify story like that, said the mayor of Reuton. you're a child with all a child's touching faith.'
 All right, replied MT Bland. s.I thought I'd pass you the tip, that's all It ain't nothing to me what you do. But it's all over, and you've lost out. I'm sorry you have, but take Hay den's orders.n
 Dash Hayden!s snarled the mayor. "It was his idea to make a three act play out of this thing. He's responsi- ble for this silly trip to Baldpate. This audience we've been acting for-he let us in for them
 t1 know said Bland sBut you can't deny that Baldpate inn looked like the ideal spot at first secluded off the beaten path, you know, and all that,'
 ssYes, sneered the mayor, aas SC cIuded as Sunday school the Sunday before Christmas
 Well. who could have guessed it?'' went on MT. Bland .sAs I say, don t the tip. I've got that nice little pack age of the long green. I've got it where you'll never find it. .''
 How did you get hold of it?" in quired MT Lou Max.
 'I had my eye on this little pro lessor person. explained MT Bland. This morning when Magee went up the mountain I trafled the highbrow to Magee's room When I busted in, unannounced by the butler. he was making his getaway don't like to talk about what followed, He's an old man, and I sure didn't mean to hgeAk his glasses nor scratch his dome Sf thought There's ideas in that dome go back to the time of Anthony J. Chaucer. But-he's always talking about that literature chair of his why couldn't he stay at home and sit in it? Anyhow, I got the bundle all right all right. I wonder what the little fossil wants with it.''
 ssThe Docs glasses was brolke,'' said Max, evidently to the mayor of Reu- ton.
 ..Um-m," came Cargan's voice. 'sBIand. how much do you make work ing for this nice, kind gentleman, Mir. Hayden P
 ..Oh, about $2.oOo year, with pick tngs,' replied Bland
 .sYes7 went on Mir. Gargan. ts..I ainsE no Charles Dana Gibson with words. My talks a little rough and