Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-07-22
G comedy ROMANO
Cssx.,o.r.p Tn. Bosss.MERkI1L CoMrAxY

1n-Im going TO bed. l DON'T care
what becomes of me-
And he sloshed away to his cabin.
well, boys, I'm afraid we'll have to
put you off," said Martin Wall. Glad
to have met both of you. Sometime in
New York we may run into each 9TH
er again"
He shook hands genially, and the
two young men dropped once more
into that unhappy launch. AS they
sped toward the shore the Lileth, be-
hind them, was heading for the open
sea.
Sorry if I've seemed to have a
crouch tonight" said Paddock, as they
walked up the deserted avenue toward
the hotel. But these Florida rain
storms aren't the pleasantest things
to wear next to ones skin. I apollo
gize, Dick"
Nonsense, Minot answered. "Old
Job himself would have frowned DIT
If he'd been through what you nave
tonight. 1t was my fault for gettlns
you into it :,
Forget it." Paddock said. We'll,
it looks like a wedding, old man. me
letters home again, and George Har-
rowby headed for New York-a three
days trip. Nothing to hinder now
Have you thought Of that?'
II don't want to think" said Minot
gloomily. Good night, old man."
Paddock sped up the stairs to his
room. which was on the second floor,
and Minot turned toward the elevator.
At that moment he saw approaching
| him through the deserted lobby Mr..
Jim O'Malley, the house detective OF
the De la Pax.
Can we see you minute IN the
Office Mr.. Minot?" he asked.
"Certainly,'' Minot answered. But
Pm soaked through-was out in all
that rain" - ~ elE
"Too bad" said o'Malley, with a
cvmnathetic glance. 1--WE won't keep
you but a minute"
He led the way, and wondering. Min.
Of followed In the tiny Office OF the
hotel manager bullet-headed man
stood waiting.
my friend, Mr.. Huntley, OF the Sc
cret service" O'Malley explained
awful sorry that this should happen
Mr.. Minot, but-we got to search
you" 5-.- -&t
Search me-for "nat: Mii n.y.
cried.
And in a flash, he knew Through
that wild night he had not once
thought of it, But 1t was still IN MS
inside coat pocket, of course. Chaln
Lightning's Collar!
"What does this mean?" he asked:
"Thats what they all say" grunted
Huntley. Come here, my boy. say,
you're pretty wet. And shivering!
Better have warm bath and drink.
Turn around, please. All
With practised fingers the detectlVe
explored rapidly Mr.. Minots person
and pockets. The victim OF the search
stood limp, helpless. What could ne
doq There was no escape. 1t was
all up now-for whatever reason they
desired Chain Lightning's Collar, they
could not fail to have It In announcer
minute. hGt g. sitsasf.3 a7 e
Side pockets-trousers pockets
now, The inner coat pocket! us
contents were in the detectives mana.
Minot stared down. A little gasp
escaped~him. &
The envelope that held Chain Light
ning's Collar was not among them!
Two minutes longer Huntley pui-
sued then with an oath of disappolnt-
ment he turned to OMalley.
"Hasn't got itn' he announced.
Minot swept aside the profuse apollo
gies Of the hotel detective, and some
how got out of the room. In daze,
he sought 3S9. He didn't have 1t:
Didn't have Chain Lightning's Collar!
Who did? - ~
It was while he sat steaming in a
hot bath that an idea came TO MN.
The struggle on the deck OF the
I.ileth. with Martin Wall painting, at
his side! The tug on his coat as they
all went down together. The genlai
spirits of Wall thereafter. The sudden
start for New York.
No question about it--Chaln Aght'