Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-09-21
THE CURIOUS QUEST
of MR.. ERNEST BLISS
b. E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM
CHAPTER xxI1.-(Continued.)
b. E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM
Copyright The Frank 4. Munsey Co.

Copyright, The F
s>.-.-.-.-,.,-,.s -s.s-a-~.s-s-s-s-s-s's-s~s-
CHAPTER XXIII-(Continued.)
well, you're going to have try
and that very soon,' he answered. 81
shall take you to your rooms as soon
A We have finished dinner, but you've
got to promise me one thing"
II think I'll promise you any
thing" she murmured.
you've got to promise me that you
won't return to Mr.. Masters without
letting me know
She nodded.
"Tll promise that. but Ernest-yot
may as we'll know the truth, I haven't
done a days work since you went
away. and-and I'm pretty nearly
penniless. I haven't sent anything to
the girls for five weeks, and am be
shining to owe my landlady money
No-not that" she cried sharply, as
she saw Bliss hand steal toward his
pocket. Il won't borrow from you
WON'T"
"Why not?" he pleaded. mo one
else has the right to lend you money,
Frances. Besides, putting everything
else on one side, aren't we pals to-
sether dear? Just at this moment
you're a little harder up than am. 1t
may be the other way in few months
time. Be sensible dear! I've four
golden sovereigns in my pocket. and
I don't owe copper. Halves, please
She pushed his hand gently away.
but she sat for moment In silence,
her eyes fixed on the opposite wall.
please, Frances!" he begged.
I'm sure to get another job soon, and
two pounds will last me for a long
time. Don't make me absolutely miser-
able by refusing!"
He saw her lips tremble. 1t was
one OF the bitterest moments OF her
life.
III will take a sovereign. Ernest"
lady quiet"
He slipped it into her hand. Her
fingers, as she took 1t, shivered. -
"The other" he said. 81 will keep
for you. Now, If you are ready, we
viii 60"
They walked slowly back to her
rooms and parted on the doorstep.
Bliss, too, went to bed early. He
had long day before him on the
morrow. More than ever he realized
the necessity Of finding work, and
finding 1t quickly.
CHAPTER XIV.
The Helping Hand.
At ten o'clock on the following
morning Bliss-it cost him hail.
crown-was ushered without an
nouncement into Mr.. Montague's pri-
vate ONCE.
Mr.. Montague glanced up. and
when he recognized his visitor
showed his teeth.
What do you want here! he IN:
quired. -.
Bliss produced heavy leather whip
from his inner pocket. That, also,
had cost him half-a-crown.
'''Take up your pen and write what
tell YOU" he ordered
What the devil do you mean. COM
Ing into q gentleman's office and"
Bliss struck the desk in front OF
him so that the papers ratified.
write" he insisted.
Mr.. Montague took up his pen.
Frances Clayton was in my en-
ploy-'
Mr.. Montague dropped his pen, and
q moment later howled with pain as
tho leather thong struck his knuckles.
He stretched out his hand for the bell.
but Bliss swiftly removed it from his
reach.
III you call for help" he said. "or
touch that telephone you'll get the
thrashing you deserve. If you write
what tell you silently, you may
escape it."
MI. Montague opened his lips and
closed them.
Frances Clayton was In my employ
for some months Bliss continued,
% typist, l found her conscientious.
capable, and intelligent. She left at
her own desire"
Mr.. Montague wrote as he was bid
den and signed his name. Bliss took
the sheet Of paper from him and fold
ed It up.
Good morning, Mr.. Montague
"You wait till get my hand on
you, young fellow" Mr.. Montague
0piuttered.
Bliss dangled the whip thoughfully.
He seemed to be still celebrating as
. tts use.
you deserve it. you know"
Mr.. Montague shrank back. His
high color seemed to have become less
evident.
Bliss, with a little laugh, turned
away.
"It's 4 good whip" he remarked,
good honest leather l won't spoil
It."
He walked out, borrowed an en-
velope from the young gentleman in
charge of the outer Office, addressed
the references to Frances and posted
It in the nearest letter box.
Then he made his way to neigh
boring labor bureau and wrote down
a list of likely places. He spent four
hours making applications for the
various posts, only to find them either
filled or that he himself was insult.
able.
A taxi-cab driver whom he met in
the waiting room of motor engi-
neers workshop gave him few use.
full hints.
These labor bureaus" he ex-
planned, "are all right for odd jobs of
~ ~ar,r roNchocf cnr$. h,If tbay'ro M