Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1915-05-27
CHAPTER VII.
In the Toils.

head was Mr. Walter Blount
OF Laramie. Wyo.. Andrew entered
the drawing room. wearing his de
ferential aspect OF the old family re-
tainer, somewhat inclined 10 garrulity,
"Mr Blount has been informed OF
your call. sirs.' he said. He will see
you, sirs at once" He bowed again.
81 hope. sirs, you won't mind if | go
on with a few bits OF my work here,
as it's so late"
"Oh certainly not" Wainwright said.
indifferently Next came the entrance
OF Walter, who halted just within the
doorway. and looked from one TO the
other f his guests. in obvious per
plexits between the two as TO which
might bt Mr. Wainwright. That gen
neman, standing UP and smiling. went
forward with his hand outStretched.
Il am Mr. Wainwright" he said, as
he shook hands with his host, and
must tell you that I'm mighty glad to
meet you-again." The emphasis on
the last word was significant Then,
he turned toward the physican: This
Is DR.. Forbes. a particular friend OF
mine. who was good enough 10 accom-
pany me. He is the superintendent of
the Powhattan asylum for the insane. "
The three men were seated near one
another.
81 called" Wainwright explained
simply. Sin order to deliver in person
the thanks you were at such pains to
escape last night"
Walter beamed pleasantly.
"Oh that's all right" he exclaimed,
breezily "Of course. knew you to-
night the minute caught sight OF your
face, though the name didn't explain
anything 10 me when your card was
brought only did what any one
would. It's not worth mentioning.
My dear sir" Wainwright returned
earnestly, II must insist on mention
ing 1t. Why, but for you ! should
surely have been shot. You struck up
that fellows hand just in time
"Awfully glad happened along as
did" Walter said genially. Have
they caught the man. he inquired ill.,
terestedly after Andrew had served
lights to the smokers.
Wainwright shook his head.
mo, I'm sorry TO say, they have
not" he replied with disgust In his
voice. 'The scoundrel really made a
wonderful getaway. And that reminds
me. Mr.. Blount-how did you contriye
to disappear so soon?"
Why, the fact is" he said with an
assumption OF great candor, I'm a
stranger IN New York, and i knew, OF
course, there'd be a big hullabaloo
about thing like this. and / hate no
toriety-police courts and so on, you
understandable newspapers too. So when
| saw the fellow that attacked you had
skipped | had the idea that Id do the
same thing, though for a different rea-
son. just mixed In the crowd a min
ute and then slipped around the corner
into the next block and came home"
He chuckled complacently and then
added, In order TO change the topic.
But how'd you manage TO find me-"
well. now" Wainwright answered,
that's a bit odd too. An anonymous
at my place last night after got back.
said he'd been among those present at
my little adventure. had seen my res
cuer and had guessed afterward that
/ might like 10 know who il was. and
he gave me your name and address"
Walter perceived that Andrew was
now occupied in rearranging some
magazines on the large table, and he
recalled the memorandum prepared for
his guidance Yes. the Great White
Way That must be introduced next.
He spoke mechanically.
Funny" he commented. You see.
know so few people in New York"
DR.. Forbes peered with curiosity at
the young man.
You're stranger here, you say
Mr.. Blount?"
Yes" was the answer, very cheer
fully given, for now the thief saw his
way to carry out the required instruc-
ton. And can't say that like your
town very much OF course there are
some things right enough I'll admit
that the first month | spent along the
Great White Way passed of lively
enough. But, you know. a man soon
gets enough OF that When dad and
mother came on east TO meet sister.
who's just got back from Europe,
took this place so we could all be to-
gether for awhile Dads been josh.
Ing me about getting homesick." he
added. with a shamefaced grin that
acknowledged some justice in the
charge. He says ! won't be able to
stick IL out for a year. but | think
maybe-just for a stunt
Where is your home, may | ask?'
Wainwright inquired.
My home town is Laramie, Wyo.
or course I'll have TO admit that it's
dinky little place, but like it at that.
You see, everybodys your friend out
there" Andrew had gone to a win
dow at the far end OF the room-a fact
duly observed by his pupil. Yes; ev-
erybody's your friend out there" he
repeated, with a hint OF emotion in his
voice, but here it's so hard TO get &C.
quainted-that is, with the right sort"
IF 1 can be OF service to you in any
way Wainwright suggested.
"Oh, l don't mean to butt in" Wal
ter declared modestly.
Wainwright smiled in friendly fash
ion.
I'm glad you did last night" he
said emphatically.
"Oh. that But say. have you got
81 L.