The Monticellonian., 1915-10-21
THlRTY-FIRST EPISODE
AT THE OLD HOSTECRY.

Of a lonely wharf on a deserted part oS the coast some miles from the promontory which afforded Del Mar his secret submarine harbor, ship was riding at anchor.
 On the wharf group of men, husky Lascars, were straining their eyes at the mysterious craft.
 Here she comes" muttered one of the men, lat last"
 From the ship large yawl had put out. AS she approached the wharf it could be seen that she was loaded to the gunwales with cases and boxes. She drew up close to the wharf, and the men fell to unloading her, lifting up the boxes as though they were metal and explosives.
 Down the shore, at the same time. behind huge rock, crouehed a rough looking tramp. His interest in the yawl and it's cargo was even keener than that of the Lascars.
 Supplies he muttered, moving back cautiously and up the bluff. T wonder where they are taking them?" Marcus Del Mar had chosen an old and ruined hotel not far from the shore as his storehouse and arsenal. Already he was there. pacing up and down the routed veranda which shook under his weight.
 Come, hurry up." he called impa- tiently as the first of the men carry ing huge box on his back made his appearance up the hill.
 One after another they trooped in and Del Mar led them to the hotel, un- locking the door.
 Inside, the old hostelry was quite as ramshackle as outside. What had once been the dining room now held noth- ing but long, rickety table and sey- erai chairs.
 Put them there" ordered Del Mar, directing the disposal of the cases. "Then you can begin work. l snail be back soon"
 He went out, and as he did so, two men seized guns from a corner near by and followed him. On the veranda he paused and turned to the men.
 If anyone approaches the house anyone. you understand-make him prisoner and send for me, he or dered If he resists, shoot
 Yes. sir" they replied. moving over and stationing themselves one at each angle of the narrow paths that ran before the old house.
 Del Mar turned and plunged delib- erately into the bushes. as If for a cross-country walk. unobserved.
 Meanwhile, by another path up the bluff, the tramp had made his way par. allel to the line taken by the men. He paused at the top of the bluff where some bushes oyerhung and parted them.
 Their headquarters" he remarked to himself. under his breath.
 
 Elaine. Aunt Josephine and were on the lawn that forenoon when a groom in resplendent livery came up to us.
 Miss Elaine Dodge?" he bowed.
 Elaine took the note he offered and be departed with another bow.
 "oh, isn't that delightful" she cried with pleasure. handing the note to me I read it: The Wilkeshire Country club will be honored if Miss Dodge and her friends will join the paper chase this afternoon. L. H. Brown. Secretary"
 q suppose preparation for the fox or drug hunting season? ?" queried Yes, she replied. Will you go?" .'I don't ride very well" answered, but I'll go."
 "Oh. and here's MT. Del Mar" she added, turning. You'll join us at the Wilkeshire hunt in paper chase this afternoon. surely, Mir Del Mar?"
 Charmed, I'm sure, he agreed gracefully.
 For several minutes we ehatted. planning, then he withdrew. q shall -~-~~~~-~->~>~~~.~--~>>~~~