Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1914-04-28
Seven Keys
TO
Baldpate
By
EARL DERR BICGERS
Copyright. 1913. by the Bobbs.NsrriIl
Company
(coNTMuxp.l
CopyriSht. 1913. by the Bobbs. hsfriIl
Company

(coNTIauxp.l (
While Mr.. Magee drew on his clOthe
the mayor and Max sat thoughtful!
before the fire, the former with hi
pudgy hands folded over the vast ex
panse where no breakfast reposed. MI
Magee explained to them that tn
holder Of the sixth key had arrived.
"A handsome young lady," he re
marked. "Her name is Myra Thorn
hill"
"Old Henry Thornhill's daughter,
reflected the mayor well, seems Nv
sort of lost the habit Of being SUI
prised now. tell you, Lou, wer
breaking into the orchid division VI
here"
While Mr.. Magee shaved-in ice COLI
water, another black mark against tn
hermit of Baldpate-he turned over II
his mind the events Of the night be
fore.
He was ready to descend at last ant
came into the parlor Of his suit witt
greatcoat and hat. In reply to Mr.
Cargan's unasked question, he said:
I'm going up the mountain present
ly to reason with our striking cook"
"You amt going to leave this inn
Magee." said the mayor.
mot even to bring back cook
Come. Mr.. Cargan. be reasonable. Yo'
may go with me II you suspect m!
motives"
They went out into the hall and Mr.
Magee passed down the corridor Il
the farther end. where he raped OF
| the door of Miss Thornhill's room. Sh,
appeared almost Immediately. buriet
beneath furs and wraps.
"You must be nearly frozen" ne
marked Mr.. Magee pityingly. "Yor
and your maid come down to the Of
fee. l want you to meet the othel
guests"
"I'll come" she replied. "Mr. Ma
gee, I've confession to make. In
vented the maid. 1t seemed so hor
ridly unconventional and shocking
couldn't admit that I was alone. Tha
was why wouldn't let you build {
ire for me-"
Don't worry" smiled Magee. "You'l
find we have all the conveniences W
here. I'll present you to chaperol
shortly-a Mrs. Norton, who is her.
with her daughter. Allow me to In
troduce Mr.. Cargan and Mr.. Max"
The girl bowed with rather star
tied air. and Mr. Curgan mumblet
something that had pleasure" in 1t
In the office they found Professor Bol
ton and Mr. Bland sitting gloomil!
before the fireplace.
Got the news. Magee?" asked the
haberdasher. Peters has done dis
| appearing act"
1t was evident to Magee that every
body looked upon Peters as his crea
ture and laid the hermit's sins at his
door. He laughed.
"T'm going to head search party
shortly" he said. Don't l detect the
odor Of coffee in the distance?"
Mrs. Norton" remarked Professor
Bolton dolefully. "has kindly consent
I'd to do what she can"
The girl of the station came through
he dining room door. 1t was eviden
she had no share in the general gloon
that the hermit's absence cast Owe
Baldpate. Her eyes were bright will
the glories Of morning on a mountain
In their depths there was no room
for petty annoyances.
Good morning." she said to Mr.. Ma
gee. isn't It bracing? Have yo'
been outside? Oh, r.
Miss NOrton-Miss Thornhill," e1
planned Magee. Miss ThOrnhill ha
the sixth key, you know. She cam
last night without any Of us know
Ing"
With lukewarm smiles, the two girl
shook hands. Outwardly the glance
they exchanged were nonchalant ant
casual, but somehow Mr.. Magee fel
that among the matters they establish
ed were social position, wit, cunning
guile and taste In dress.
When the rather unsatisfactory sub
stitute for breakfast was consumed
Mr.. Magee rose briskly.
Now" he said, "Pm going to run VI
to the hermit's shack and reason witt
him as best l can. l shall paint II
touching colors our sad plight. II tn
man has an atom Of decency"-
"a walk on the mountain In tn
morning." said Miss Tbornhill quickly
Splendid. p
Wonderful" put In Miss Merton
81, for one, can't resist. Even thoug
III haven't been invited, I'm goin
along" She smiled sweetly. She ha,
beaten the other girl by the breadt
of a hair, and she knew 1t. New glo
ries shOne In her eyes.
Good for you" said Magee. Tn
i evil uOuE VI cApiduuIiouS "oo 90 AeAA
surely. "Run up and get your things.
While Miss Norton was gone MI
Cargan and Lou Max engaged In cal
nest converse near window. Ate
which Mr.. Max pulled on his ovel
coat.
"I amt been invited either" he sait
"but I reckon I'll 60 along. alway
wanted to see what a hermit live
like when he's really buckled down {
the hermit business. And then wal
in the morning has always been my frs
rule for health. You don't mind, d
your"
"Who am l." asked Magee, "tha
III should stand between you an
health? Come along, by all means"
!; The three went out through the fror
door and found under Il snow hlr
, of the path that led to the shack Of th
, post card merchant
"will you go aheadT' asked Mage
Of Max.
Sorry" grinned Max. "but CUES
I'll bring up the rear"
Suspicion" said Mr.. -Magee, shal
ing his head, "has caused lot OF tro'
BILE in the world. Remember the crue
ty practiced on Pueblo SAM"
. II do" replied Mr.. Max, land
| nearly breaks my heart. But there's
i. little matter / forgot to mention lal