Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-08-10

GRILL"
Bliss pushed away his tumbler -
THE whisky and soda cost you six
pence he said land the cigar. I
should think not more than three
pence. You have made a bad debt OF
ninepence Good evening"
Bliss marched out of the place and
made his way homeward. He saw no
more of the little man, but the affair,
however, spoiled his nights rest. The
next morning he went to Mr.. Cocker
ill.
Can you spare moment, sir?"
Mr.. Cockerill looked up quickly.
His first glance was toward the birds.
Anything wrong with Tommy
yesterday"
"The birds are quite all right Bliss
replied. Tommy is on my chair out
side.''
what is It, them"
'Fellow stopped me last night
Bliss went on STOOD me whisky
and soda and rotten bad cigar.
Turned out he was a private detective,
and he wanted to know what your
business was. Offered me ten-pound
note for information"
Mr.. Cocherill nodded benevolently.
Nevertheless from the corners of his
eyes and lips little straight lines ap-
peared which altered the expression
in marvellous manner. He no longer
resembled Mr. Cheeryble.
What did you say?"
II told him about the birds"
"Well?"
"He thought was kidding. 1t was
note
And you?"
Il wished him good evening and
came away"
Mr.. Cickerill sat for several min.
utes without moving. He was sur.
rounded by sheets Of manuscript and
a volume of "The Birds Encycloped.
Ia" was propped up before him.
He leaned back in his chair.
THANK you, Bliss" he said at last.
Anything else?"
Nothing. sir"
you're the servant I've been look
ing for" Mr.. Cockerill declared. Il
shall raise your wages five shillings a
week. Get along outside now. please.
/ want to finish this chapter"
Mr.. Cockerill was doomed that
morning, however. to Interruptions.
In half an hour the first one arrived.
A tall, rather good-looking man came
Fastening up the steps two at a time.
Bliss rose from his seat. There was
something rather ominous about the
appearance of this visitor.
~ ~
HE is, sir. Bliss admitted. What
name?'
MIR. Verner-Harry Werner 7
want to see him at once was the i'm
petuous reply.
Bliss opened the door and an.
nounced the young man by name. Mr..
Cockerill rose from his chair with his
fingers still upon the keys of his type
writer.
81 will not see Mr.. Werner" he de-
cided.
Won't you?' the young man ex-
claimed fiercely.
He strobe past Bliss into the room.
Mr.. Cockerill regarded him through
his gold-rimmed spectacles with mild
Indignation
Bliss" he said, you heard my
orders? I do not wish to see this
young man. Turn him out
Bliss did his best.
He picked himself up a moment or
two later, from spot on the landing
about four yards from the door, and
returned valiantly to the charge.
Mr. Cockerill, however. held up his
hand. He was sitting in his accus-
toned attitude, and the young man.
although he seemed to be angry, was
silent
Never mind Bliss his employer
said resignedly Since this young
man is here / will listen to what he
has to say You can wait outside"
"Shall fetch policeman, sir?"
Bliss suggested.
Mr. Cockerill shook his head.
Thank you. Bliss, it will not be
necessary. l have decided TO grant
this young man an interview"
Bliss retired at once and closed the
door.
1t was about quarter of an hour
before the unwelcome visitor reap
peared. He walked by Bliss with I'M
seeing eyes, like man in a dream
All the turbulence had gone out OF
his manner. He had not in the least
the look Of man who has been tell
ing anecdotes about birds From in.
side the room came the slow ticking
of Mr.. Cockerill's typewriter as he
continued his chapter.
Bliss began to feel uncomfortable
He was more than ever conscious that
There was something mysterious sim
lister. even. about his surroundings.
The appearance of his last visitor had
altogether disturbed him.
Anyhow. the moneys good. he
muttered to himself, land I'm in my
third month"
CHAPTER VIII.
The Rrown-Haired Girl Again.
That night something happened to
BisS which he had antiCipated many