The Elbert County tribune., 1915-10-08

she came down at last Carrying a If.
tie handbag. We drove on a moment
later.
II was a delightful ride, not too
warm. but sunny. Without realizing
1t, 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 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
'Helpl" shouted at the top of nv
voice.
The valet came to the door
Hearing me, the valet ran out down
the walk. IAN right" he cried, IN
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 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
cerning 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-
ber that there was this strange WON
an all in black. heavily yelled, 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 book lying on the desk.
We gathered about the man, trying
to revive him.
Have you little stimulant?" /
asked. turning from him.
Del Mar moved toward a cellarette
built into the wall. We were all wa.ch-
ing him. our backs to the chauffeur,
when suddenly he must have regaihe ed
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 it
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. I'll take
care of him"
"oh. thank you-ever SO much' y e
murmured. "Of course 1t wasn't our
fault. but feel sorry for the poor fel-
low. Tell the doctor to send me the
bill"
L
thought he held her hand perhaps
little longer and little tighter than
usual. At any rate Elaine seemed to
think so.
Why. what curious ring, Mr.. Del
Mar" she said. finally releasing sar
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 haG
climbed back into the car and were of
again.
Having left us at the door, Del Mar
hurried back to the library He went
straight 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. 81 wonder who he is" he
said to himself. Il 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 lunge for it. AS
he did so the chauffeur leaped to his
feet. Hands up!., he shouted.
And the first man that moves is q