Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-03-17
CHAPTER III Continued.

professor. Sort of makes a man sit
up and take notice, doesn't she? Even
the frostbitten haberdasher here has
got to admit that In some ways she
has this Arabella person looking like a
faded chrome in your grandmOther's
parlor on rainy afternoon. Ever
get any notion, Professor, the way a
picture like that boosts novel in the
busy marts Of trade? No? Well"
Mr.. Bland continued. Mr.. Magee
leaned back, oveyjoyed. in his chair.
Here was man not to be annoyed by
the mere fllching of his story. Here
was man with sense of humor an
opponent worthy his foes best efforts.
In his role of haberdasher overcome
with woe, Mr.. Magee listened.
II used to paint danes like that.
Bland was saying to the dazed profess
sor. He explained how his pictures
had enabled many a novelist to "eat
up the highway in buzz-wagon AS
he approached the time when the
novelist besieged him. be gave full
play to his Imagination. One, he said,
sought out his apartments in an aero
plane.
'sSay, Professor" he finished, "we're
In the same boat. Both hiding from
writer's. A fellow that's spent his life
selling neckties-well, he can't ex-
actly appreciate our situation. There's
what you might call bond between
you and me. Dye know felt drawn
to you, just after fired that first shot.
That's why I didn't blaze away again.
We're going to be great friends-I can
read it in the stars"
He took the older mans hand feel
ingly, shook it., and walked away, cast
ing covert glance OF triumph at Mr..
Magee. ~.
The face of the holder of the Gran
dali Chair of Comparative Literature
was study. He looked first at one
young man, and then at the other.
Again he applied the handkerchief to
his shining head.
'All this is very odd" he said
thoughtfully. "A man Of sixtv.two--
particularly one who has long lived in
the uninspired circle surrounding a
university-has not the quick wit of
youth. I'm afraid don't-but no mat
ter. It's very odd, though"
He permitted Mr. .Magee to escort
him into the hall, and to direct his
search for a bed that should serve him
through the scant remainder of the
night. Overcoats and rugs were pressed
into service as cover. Mr. Bland
blithely assisted. ....
eff see any newspaper reporters, :"
he assured the professor on parting,
"Ill damage more than their derbies.'
'Thank you,' replied the old man
heartily. "You are very kind To-
morrow We shall become better &C
quainted. Good night
The two young men came out and
stood in the hallway. Mr.. Magee spoke
In low tone. a
"Forgive me- he said, "for steal
Ing your Arabella." 49,.
"Take her and welcome" said Bland.
"She was beginning to bore me, any
how. And I'm not in your class as an
actor He came close to Magee. In
the din, light that streamed out from
number seven the latter saw the look
on his tace, and knew that, under
meath all, This was very much wor-
ried young man. ..
sFor Gods sake" cried Bland, tell
me who you are and what you're doing
here. In three words-tell me-"
eff I did," Mr., Magee replied you
wouldn't believe me. Let such minor
matters as the truth wait over till to-
morrow"
"Well, anyhow" Bland said, his foot
on the top step. eve are sure of one
thing-we don't trust each other I've
got one parting word for you. Don't
try to come downstairs tonight I've
got gun, and amt afraid to shoot. "
He paused. A look Of fright passed
over his face. For on the floor above
they both heard soft footsteps-then
a faint click, as though a door had
been gently closed .M.
'This inn," whispered Bland. has
more keys than literary club in a
prohibition town. And every ones in
use, I guess. Remember Don't try
to come downstairs. I've warned
YOU Or Arabella's CASTOR Romeo
yet"
II shant forget what you say" an
swered Mr.. Magee. Shall we look
about up-stairs?"
Bland shook his head.
":No,' he said. eco in and 60 to
bed. It's the downstairs that-that
concerns me. Good night"
He went swiftly down the steps,
leaving Mr.. Magee staring wondering
ly after him. Like wrath he merg-
ed with the shadows below. Magee
turned slowly, and entered number
seven. A fantastic Aim of frost was
on the windows; the inner room was
drear and chill. Partially undressing.
he lay down on the brass bed and
pulled the covers over him.
The events of the night danced in
giddy array before him as he closed
his eyes. With every groan Baldpate
Inn uttered in the wind he started up,
keen for new adventure. At length
his mind seemed to stand still, and
there remained of all that amazing
evenings pictures but one-that Of a
girl in blue corduroy suit who wept
-wept only that her smile might be
the more dazzling when it flashed be-
hind the tears. with yellow locks,
crisped like golden wire." murmured
Mr.. Magee. And so he fell asleep.
CHAPTER w.
A Professional Hermit Appears.
Every morning at eight. when slum-