Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1914-04-21

had huppened 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 in time to hear the
lock click inside.
Safe for q moment behind locked
door, Mr.. Magee paused to get his
breath. The glory Of battle filled his
SOUL. 1t was not until long afterward
that he realized the battle had been
mere scuffie in the dark.
With no thought for Mr.. Bland,
bound in his uneasy chair, Mr.. Magee
hurried 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 supposed
ly uninhabited land. As Mr.. Magee
reached the second floor, bhthely pic
turing the scene in which he was to
play 80 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 q
woman he had never seen before. In
this order came Mr.. Magee's impres
sions Of her-fur coated, tall, dark,
handsome, with the naughty manner
Of one engaging chauffeur.
II beg your pardon" she said, "but
are you by any chance Mr.. MageeT
The knight leaned weakly against
the wall and tried to think.
"I-I am" he managed to say.
I'm so glad I've found you," replied
the girl. 1t seemed to the dazed Ma
gee that her dark eyes were not overly
happy. II cannot ask you In, I'm
afraid. I do not know the custom on
such an occasion. Does anybody? ]
am alone with my maid. Hal Bent
ley, when ! wrote to him for key to
this place, told me Of your being here
and said that I was to put myself un
der your protection"
Delighted, I'm sure" he murmured.
'T shall not try to impose on you"
she went on. "The whole affair Is 80
unusual as to be almost absurd. ]
have come here to get something
and l haven't the least idea how to
proceed. l came because must have
it-so much depends on It."
Prophetically Mr.. Magee clutched IN
his pocket the package for which he
had done battle.
IT may be too late" The girls eyes
grew wide. "That would be terribly
unfortunate. do not wish you to be
Injured serving me- She lowered
her voice. But If there is any way
In which you can help me-in this DIFF
Hculty-I can never be grateful
enough. Downstairs in the safe there
is, I believe, package containing a
large sum Of money"
Mr.. Magee's hand closed convulsive-
ly in his pocket.
"If there is any way possible" said
the girl, II must obtain that package.
I give you my word 1 have as much
right to 1t as any one who will ap-
pear at the inn. The honor and hap
piness of one who Is very dear to me
are involved"
With the eyes of man In q dream
Mr.. Magee looked into the face Of the
latest conner to Baldpate.
Hal Bentley is an old friend and q
bully chap" he said. 1T will be
great pleasure to serve a friend OF
his" He paused, congratulating him
self that these were words, idle words.
when did you arrive, may l ask"
II believe you were having dinner
when / came" she answered. "Mr.
Bentley gave me key to the kitchen
door, and we found back stairway.
There seemed to be a company below
Il wanted to see only you"
II repeat" said Mr.. Magee, II shall
be happy to help you II / can" His
word to another lady, he reflected. was
binding. ~ suggest that there Is no
harm in waiting until morning."
"But-I am afraid 1t was tonight
she began.
II understand" Magee replied. 1.-THE
plans went wrong. You may safely
let your worries rest until tomof-
row."
"You are very kind" she said. Il
hardly expected to be here the night
through. It is rather cold. but am
sure we have rugs and coats enough"
Mr.. Magee's duty was clear
"I'll build you fire." he announced.
The girl seemed distressed ut the
thought.
mo. couldn't let you." she said. II