The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1915-10-15

warm. but sunny Without realizing
II. we found ourselves on the road
that led past Del Mars.
AS we approached. saw that there
was a taxicab standing In front OF the
gate. The hood was lifted and the
driver was apparently tinkering with
his engine.
Let's not stop" said Elaine, who
had by this time a peculiar aversion to
the man.
AS we passed the driver. apparently
not seeing us, stepped out and, before
we could turn out, we had knocked
him down. We stopped and ran back.
There he lay on the road, seemingly
unconscious. We lifted him up and
looked toward Del Mars house.
"Help!" shouted at the top Of my
voice.
The valet came to the door.
Hearing me. the valet ran out down
the walk. "All right" he cried, 'I'll
be there in a minute"
With his help picked up the taxi
cab chauffeur and we carried him into
the house.
Del Mar was talking with a person
who looked like a widow, when they
heard our approach up the walk carry
ing the injured man.
So engrossed had they been in dis
corning what the stolen document con-
tanned that, as we finally entered, the
widow had only time to drop her veil
and conceal her identity as the rene
gade Smith. Del Mar still held the
plan in his hand.
The valet and entered with Elaine
and we placed the chauffeur on a
couch near Del Mars desk. ! remem-
Der that there was this strange wom-
an all in black, heavily veiled, in the
room at the time.
Il think we ought to telephone for a
doctor" said Elaine, placing her hand
bag on the desk and excitedly telling
Del Mar how we had accidentally
knocked the man down.
Call up my doctor, Henry" said
Del Mar, hastily thrusting the plan
into a book lying on the desk.
We gathered about the man, trying
to revive him.
Have you a little stimulant?" /
asked, turning from him.
Del Mar moved toward a cellarette
built into the wall We were all watch
ing him, our backs to the chauffeur,
when suddenly he must have regained
consciousness very much. Like flash
his hand shot out. He seized the plan
from between the leaves Of the book.
He had not time to get away with it
himself. Perhaps he might be searched.
He opened Elaine's bag and thrust 1t
in.
The valet by this time had finished
telephoning and spoke to Del Mar.
"The doctor will be here shortly,
Miss Dodge" said Del Mar. you need
not wait, If you don't care to. Ill take
care of him"
"Oh, thank you-ever so much" she
murmured. "Of course it wasn't our
fault, but feel sorry for the poor fel-
low. Tell the doctor to send me the
bill"
She and Del Mar shook hands.
thought he held her hand perhaps a
little longer and a little tighter than
usual. At any rate Elaine seemed to
think 80.
why, what curious ring, Mr.. Del
Mar" she said, finally releasing her
hand from his grasp.
Then she looked quickly at the wom
an, half joking, as If the ring had
something to do with the strange
woman. She looked back at the ring.
Del Mar smiled, shook his head and
laughed easily.
Then Elaine picked up her bag and
we went out. A moment later we had
climbed back into the car and were off
again.
Having left us at the door, Del Mar
hurried back to the library, He went
to the desk and picked up
the book, eager now to make sure Of
the safety of his plan.
1t was gone!
Did you, Smith" he began has
tily, then checked himself, knowing
that the clerk had not taken the
plan.
Del Mar walked over to the couch
and stood a moment looking at the
chauffeur. II wonder who he is," he
said to himself. II don't recall ever
seeing him at the station or in the
village"
He leaned closer. "The deuce!" he
exclaimed, that's fake beard the
fellow has on"
Del Mar made a lunge for it. AS
he did 80 the chauffeur leaped to his
feet. Hands up!" he shouted.
And the first man that moves is a
dead one!"
Before the secret agent knew it
both he and Smith were covered. The
chauffeur took step toward Smith
and unceremoniously jerked off the
Widows weeds, as well as the wig.
At that very moment one Of Del
Mars men came up to the secret pan
sl that opened from the underground |
into the library. He was
about to open it when he heard a
sound on the other side that startled |
linn. He listened a moment then slid |
Just short distance and looked in.
There he saw chauffeur holding |
Ip Del Mar and Smith. Having pulled |
he disguise from Smith, he went
lext around Del Mar and tok his gun
rom his pocket, then passed his
lands over the folds Of Smiths dress,
tut found no weapon. He stepped