Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-07-17
"A Corr ED4 RIO ANC6
r. EARL DERR BIGGERS
416e SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE

moonlight served as well. Under its
soft mericful rays she stood revealed
the beauty thousands of playgoers
knew and worshioed. Dick Minot gaz-
ed at her in awe. He was surprised
that she held out her hand to him, a
smile of the utmost friendliness on
her face
How fortunate" she said, as though
speaking the cue for lovely song:
II stand here, the wonder of this old
Spanish night getting into my very
blood-and the only thing lacking In
the picture is-a man. And then, you
come"
I'm glad to be of service said
Minot. tossing away his cigar.
What an unromantic way to put
it! Really, this chance meeting-it
was a chance meeting. l SUPPOSE
"A lucky chance" he agreed.
She pouted
Then you did not follow? Unro-
mantle to the last! But as was say
ing. this chance meeting Is splendid.
My train goes in an hour-and l want
ed so very much to see you-once
again"
you fatter me-"
"Ah-you don't understand She
dropped into a chair. Il wanted to
see you-to put your conscience at
rest. You were SO sorry when you
had to be-cruel-to me today. You
will be SO glaZ to know that 1t has all
turned out happily, after all"
what do you mean?" asked Minot,
new apprehensions rising IN his m1nd.
"Alas. if could only tell YOU She
was laughing at him now-an expert
ence he did not relish. "But my lips
are sealed, as we say on the stage.
I can only give you a hint. You
thought you had left me broken van
ouished woman. How the thought did
pain you! Well, your victory was not
absolute. Let that thought console
you"
"You are too kind Mtnot answer
ed
"And-you are glad I am not leav-
ing San Marco quite beaten?'
ooh, yes-I'm wild with pleasure.
"Really-that is sweet of you.
am so sorry we must part. The moon
light the palms, the distant music
all so romantic. But-we shall meet
again?'
II don't know"
Don't know? How unkind-when
it all depends on you. You will look
me up in New York, won't you? New
York Is not so romantic--but shall
try to make it up to you. l shall sing
for you. Just Little y -.
She stood up, and held out slim
white hand.
Good bye, Mr.. Minot." Still she
laughed. ct has been so good to know
you"
"Er-good bye" said Minot. He
took the hand. He heard her hum
ming beneath her breath-humming
"Just Little" eve enjoyed your
singing immensely"
She laughed outright nova silvery
glorious laugh And, refusing the
baffled Minots offer to take her back
to the hotel, she fled away from him
down the dark path.
He fell back into his chair, and light.
ed another cigar. Exit the Gaiety
lady, laughing merrily. What was the
meaning of that? What new compli'
cation must he meet and solve?
For his answer. he had only to re-
turn to the hotel. On the steps he
was met by Lord Harrowby's man,
agitated putting.
Been looking all about for you,
sir" he announced. q" Is lordship
wishes to see you at once-most
h'important."
more trouble, Minot," was Harrow
by's gloomy greeting. "Sit down, old
chap. Just had very nasty visitor
Sorry to hear It,"
Little brown monkey Of a man
Manuel Gonzale, proprietor of the San
Marco Mail. I say, old boy, there's
syllable missing in the name of that
paper Do you get me?"
"You mean it should be the San
Marco Blackmail? Pretty good, Har.
rowby pretty good" And Minot added
to himself for you"